The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has convened a meeting with Vice Chancellors and Principals (VC&Ps) of higher education institutions to advance reforms aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone tertiary education sector.
Dr. Josephus Brimah, MTHE’s Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, urged reforms to strengthen Sierra Leone’s higher education sector. Dr. Brimah highlighted that the meeting was intended for frank discussions on policy issues, sector priorities, and strategies to reposition tertiary institutions for national development. He emphasized that the outcomes will guide reforms to improve institutional leadership and the national higher
The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, encouraged universities and colleges to collaborate closely with the Ministry to enhance the relevance and quality of tertiary education. Reflecting on 2025 achievements, she commended institutions that conducted timely graduation ceremonies and encouraged others to follow suit.
Dr. Wurie stressed the importance of aligning curricula with labor market demands to enhance graduate employability, noting forthcoming directives for programme revisions in key growth sectors. She also cautioned institutions to comply with Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) accreditation requirements, highlighting that the new TEC Act imposes strict penalties for running unaccredited programmes. Plans to digitize accreditation processes were also disclosed to improve efficiency and compliance.
Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sarjoh Aziz Kamara, provided updates on the OneGov digital platform, which is being extended from the loan scheme to universities for streamlined fee payments and academic module management. Cabinet approval is expected soon, with formal presentations planned for institutions to facilitate adoption. The platform aims to create a real-time, sustainable system that reduces administrative bottlenecks.
Abdul Senesie, MTHE’s Director of TVET, underscored the importance of a harmonized National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for quality assurance, learner progression, and recognition of prior learning. He explained that the 2021 Universities Act established Technical Universities to create pathways for TVET graduates, which require a fully operational NQF.
The harmonized NQF now features 10 levels across Academic, TVET, and Micro-credential strands, aligned with African Continental and ECOWAS frameworks. Draft policies on credit accumulation, transfer, and recognition of prior learning have been developed. National curricula for industrial plumbing and automobile maintenance have been harmonized, enabling TVET graduates to progress into degree programmes. A national technical committee will soon finalize and endorse the framework.
MTHE’s Deputy Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, Sia Fasuluku, urged institutions to actively participate in the Ministry’s Let’s Research Forum to leverage European Union research and partnership opportunities. She emphasized the importance of timely submissions for partnership information forms to secure education and research funding. Fasuluku also highlighted technical support available through a new international partner to strengthen proposal development and alignment with EU priorities.
Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone, Prof. Aiah Lebbie, reported over 12,000 qualified applications, with interviews completed and admission letters currently being issued. Delays were attributed to the transition to a new digital admissions platform, which is expected to streamline future processes.
Vice Chancellor and Principal of Kono, University of Science and Technology (KUST), Prof. Jamiru, outlined progress since taking office, including the establishment of a library and laboratory, policy and curriculum committees, staff recruitment, and plans to strengthen community integration. Nearly 200 new applicants have been accommodated, with classroom refurbishments and expanded online learning underway.
Vice Chancellor and Principal of Njala University, Professor Bashiru Koroma, said Njala University reopened in November, with first-year students starting classes on 17th November, although some joined late due to delayed results. He explained that fewer than 500 late entrants across 16 schools were given extra classes to help them catch up, and the university was considering delaying first-year examinations so no student would be disadvantaged. He added that the university’s total enrolment now stood at slightly over 18,000 students.
He acknowledged serious resource constraints but said the university was making efforts to cope, while calling for stronger support from the Ministry of Finance and line ministries.
Professor Koroma also said Njala University is ready to begin its veterinary programme, with necessary preparations completed in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture.
