The Vice Chancellor and Principal of the Kono University of Science and Technology (KUST), Prof. Tamba Jamiru, acting on behalf of the University Administration and Senate, profoundly expresses his sincere thanks and highest appreciation to the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Amb. Tamba Lamina, and the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie. This appreciation follows their prompt, decisive, and collaborative facilitation of a lasting solution between the Gbense Chiefdom authorities and the KUST administration over the long-standing “Old Council Land” saga.
This definitive resolution was reached during a high-level stakeholder meeting convened on Monday, August 17, 2026, at the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs. The session was chaired by the Deputy Minister of Local Government, Mr. Moi Jamiru, who stepped in on behalf of the substantive Minister.
The meeting successfully brought together a comprehensive group of key District and institutional stakeholders, including representatives from:
The Gbense Chiefdom: Led by Paramount Chief Komba Sangor Kaimachende, Chiefdom Speaker A. M. Kamanda, and Section Chief Komba Gbondo.
The Kono University of Science and Technology (KUST): Represented by Vice Chancellor Prof. Tamba Jamiru, Registrar Mr. Alpha A. Jalloh, Senior Assistant Finance Officer Dr. Sia Nyande Fania, Public Relations Officer Mr. Sahr Sam Ansumana, Research Officer Mr. David M. Kanesie, and Academic Staff Association (ASA) President Mr. Alfred Jones.* Security and Civil Society Frameworks: Representatives from the Office of National Security (ONS), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the Senior District Officer (SDO). Ministry Leadership: The Chief of the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), the Permanent Secretary, and other senior administrative members of the Ministry of Local Government.
In calling the meeting to order, Deputy Minister of Local Government Mr. Moi Jamiru characterized the recent land dispute and the subsequent locking of the university offices as highly worrisome actions that projected an unfortunate image of the community. He noted that while standard institutional transformations to full university status are historically grueling and complex processes, KUST was delivered to the region seamlessly, an invaluable opportunity that should be fiercely protected. Mr. Jamiru communicated that Amb. Tamba Lamina, though absent, was deeply saddened by these developments occurring within his home city and remained unyielding in his desire for structural harmony.
Following transparent deliberations and historical presentations from both delegations, a landmark peaceful resolution was achieved. The Gbense Chiefdom authorities, under the leadership of Paramount Chief Komba Sangor Kaimachende, graciously consented to the university maintaining permanent ownership of the Old Council Land, ensuring that future generations will benefit from the institution’s structural expansion.
As a formal mechanism to seal this historic accord, all stakeholders have mutually scheduled the official signing of the KUST land conveyance document for Monday, August 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Gbense (NA) Headquarters in Koidu City, Kono District. This definitive timeline has been established for the attention and reassurance of the youth and wider citizenry of Gbense and the Kono District. Both the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education will maintain active representation at the ceremony to witness this administrative milestone.
The leadership of both ministries emphasized that they remain highly vigilant and focused on the extensive development plans slated for KUST. With this landmark resolution, all parties have committed to maintaining open channels of dialogue, ensuring that administrative operations remain unimpeded, and fostering a peaceful, progressive environment where higher education can thrive to elevate the Kono District and the nation at large.
