Home Sciences Department Showcases Innovation and Excellence in Three-Day Comprehensive Examination Exhibition

Freetown, Sierra Leone — The Department of Home Sciences at Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) has successfully concluded a three-day comprehensive examination exhibition, showcasing the creativity, practical skills, innovation and academic competence of students across a wide range of Home Sciences and Home Management disciplines.

The three-day exhibition provided students with an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and practical skills acquired throughout their programme. The displays covered an impressive range of areas, including food processing, food preservation, local and continental cuisine, European dishes, locally produced beverages, experimental food processing, drawing, general home care, home management and the production of a variety of household and other related products.

Throughout the exhibition, students took staff members and examiners through the different stages involved in producing and preparing the items on display. The presentations demonstrated not only the students’ ability to produce quality food and products, but also their understanding of the processes, techniques and principles underpinning their work.

The Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal of MMTU, Dr. Mohammad A. Jalloh, was visibly impressed by the breadth and quality of the displays. He expressed his appreciation for the level of creativity, dedication and brilliance demonstrated by the students, noting the practical value of the skills being developed through the programme.

“Team work is the key in our department,” stressed HOD Mrs. Barrie.

The Head of Department, Mrs. Barrie, delivered a short but engaging presentation outlining the process that led to the successful completion of the comprehensive examinations and also stressed the concept of teamwork, noting that all her staff were onboard. Her presentation highlighted the commitment of the department, lecturers and students in preparing for the milestone and ensuring that the exhibition reflected the academic and practical objectives of the programme.

An External Examiner, Mrs. Beckley, was also present to observe and assess the students’ work. She engaged with the students as they explained their various processes and displays and indicated that the students would be graded accordingly based on their performance and the quality of their presentations.

One of the most engaging aspects of the exhibition was the opportunity for staff to interact with the students and experience some of the food and beverages prepared as part of the examination. Following the various presentations and assessments, the wide range of food products was made available for staff to sample.

Staff members expressed their admiration for the quality, presentation and taste of the foodstuffs produced by the students. Among the items enjoyed were locally prepared dishes, continental and European-inspired meals, locally made gingerbread and a variety of refreshing beverages, including locally processed drinks.

The practical nature of the exhibition demonstrated the versatility of Home Sciences as a discipline and its relevance to entrepreneurship, household management, food production, hospitality and wider economic opportunities. The students’ ability to transform locally available ingredients into attractive and consumable products also highlighted the potential for innovation and value addition.

Each of the three days concluded on an exciting note, with food and beverages being served to staff and participants. The atmosphere throughout the exhibition was one of learning, appreciation and celebration, as students proudly demonstrated the fruits of their academic and practical training.

The three-day comprehensive examination exhibition therefore served not only as an assessment of the students’ competencies but also as a platform for showcasing the remarkable talent and creativity within the Department of Home Sciences at Milton Margai Technical University.

The exhibition stands as a testament to MMTU’s commitment to practical, skills-oriented education and to preparing students with competencies that can contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s social and economic development.