The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Haja Ramatulai Wurie, has reiterated her ministry’s unwavering commitment to transforming technical, vocational, and higher education in Sierra Leone.
Speaking during the government’s weekly press briefing on Tuesday, November 26, Minister Wurie outlined strategic initiatives and significant progress made to align the education sector with national development priorities.
Minister Wurie emphasized that her ministry oversees a broad mandate, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), universities, and other higher institutions, while playing a vital role in safeguarding the Free Quality Education initiative spearheaded by President Julius Maada Bio.
Highlighting the government’s dedication to education, she revealed that over 20% of the national budget has been allocated to the sector.
This investment ensures access to pre-primary, primary, and junior secondary education, forming the backbone of Sierra Leone’s socio-economic transformation.
“We are committed to building on this foundation by equipping young people with the relevant skills to contribute to Sierra Leone’s development,” Minister Wurie stated.
The Minister spotlighted technological advancements in the education system, including the introduction of Learning Management Systems (LMS) in universities with support from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
“This online platform integrates technology into our higher education systems, enabling real-time dashboards for students, educators, and ministry officials,” she explained.
Plans are underway to extend this platform to TVET institutions, providing essential data on enrollment, class performance, and more, to enhance decision-making and policy development.
Additionally, the Commonwealth of Learning is collaborating with the ministry to implement distance education programs, addressing the demand for higher education infrastructure following the surge in students resulting from the Free Quality Education initiative.
Minister Wurie underscored the critical role of TVET in building a competent middle-level workforce essential for national development. She noted ongoing efforts to change public perceptions of TVET as a “dropout option” by aligning programs with labor market demands, empowering the informal sector, and certifying skilled workers.
Collaborations with international partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and India’s National Skills Development Corporation are at the forefront of these efforts.
The ministry is piloting a certification project for skilled workers and launching online training programs in technical and soft skills to foster professional growth.
The Minister affirmed that these initiatives align with the government’s national development plan and the “Big Five Game Changers” agenda. She stressed the importance of developing supportive policies and expanding TVET programs to strengthen Sierra Leone’s human capital.
“Our goal is to create a skilled and innovative workforce capable of driving sustainable development,” she noted.
