By Phileas Jusu
Feb. 13, 2018
(Originally published by UM News. Used with permission. Click to read the full article. https://www.umnews.org/en/news/united-methodists-in-sierra-leone-celebrate-launch-of-university )
Sierra Leone’s newly opened United Methodist University was dedicated at a ceremony attended by academics, diplomats, senior government officials and United Methodists who had traveled from near and far.
The Jan. 27 event included the official launching of the first faculty, the Bishop Wenner School of Theology, named after retired German Area Bishop Rosemarie Wenner. The school has been up and running since November, with students and staff in place, said the Rev. Edwin Momoh, the university’s adjunct professor of research and development.
Addressing the gathering, Sierra Leone Area Bishop John Yambasu, chancellor of the university, recalled with joy how his dream of a United Methodist University nine years ago had come to fruition.
“My many travels across the African continent (as a missionary of The United Methodist Church) opened my eyes to the massive illiteracy, poverty, misery, marginalization and exploitation of young people and the helplessness of many of them to take responsibility for their own destiny. Many still live in squalor and go through life-threatening experiences every day because they lack the needed education and skills that will make them employable.”
Yambasu also thanked all those who believed in his dream and had either journeyed with him or spurred him on to achieve his goal.
“Through our diversified curriculum … United Methodist University will help create opportunities for the present and future population by ushering in sustainable development, reduction of poverty and help create a democratic and peaceful society where respect for law and order is evidenced,” he said.
Wenner, who had flown from Germany to Freetown, for the occasion was overwhelmed with emotion.
“Today, when I was honored to unveil the plaque, I saw it with my own eyes: Yes, this is the Bishop Wenner School of Theology. A very nice building at an extraordinary place with great people teaching and learning here — the first faculty of several to come — all this is a great achievement of the UMC in Sierra Leone and I compliment you for that,” she said.
She recalled that United Methodists in Germany and Sierra Leone have a long-standing relationship dating back to the 1960s. She said she was accepting the honor on behalf of The United Methodist Church in Germany.
We Methodists value education and particularly theological education. We see no contradiction in knowledge and vital piety. In fact, we know: They are twins. Therefore, keep on with the good work. I urge you, the students who are already filling this place with life, make good use of the school.
Yambasu named professor George Carew as vice chancellor of United Methodist University. Carew has vast experience in university academia in the U.S., Liberia and Sierra Leone. Carew said he believes it is the mission of the church to build a university that addresses the moral and spiritual void in the society.