The Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara, has commissioned a university-wide solar electrification project at the Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST), describing it as a major milestone in advancing sustainable energy use within Sierra Leone’s higher education sector.
The commissioning ceremony was held at the university campus, where the Deputy Minister represented the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr Haja Ramatulai Wurie. He commended the university’s leadership for what he described as a forward-looking initiative that reflects strong institutional planning and a commitment to improving academic and administrative conditions.
He noted that the solar electrification project represents a strategic investment aimed at enhancing the quality and reliability of power supply across the university, thereby strengthening teaching, learning, research, and administration.
Aziz-Kamara emphasised that consistent electricity is essential for the effective operation of modern universities, adding that the new solar system is expected to provide uninterrupted power to key facilities including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, ICT centres, and administrative offices.
He further stated that the shift towards renewable energy will reduce dependence on the national grid, lower operational costs, and promote environmentally sustainable practices within the institution.
According to him, students will benefit from improved access to academic resources and digital learning platforms, while lecturers, researchers, and administrative staff will operate in a more stable and efficient environment conducive to productivity and academic excellence.
The Deputy Minister also commended EBKUST for its contribution to the government’s Human Capital Development Agenda, particularly in expanding science, technology, and innovation in higher education.
He described the project as a model that other tertiary institutions across the country should emulate, urging universities to adopt innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions to enhance service delivery.
Aziz-Kamara reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting EBKUST and pledged continued collaboration with institutional leaders and development partners to strengthen the higher education sector.
The commissioning of the solar electrification system marks a significant step in ongoing efforts to modernise Sierra Leone’s tertiary education infrastructure through sustainable and resilient energy solutions.
