SL) has validated its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan during a stakeholder workshop aimed at strengthening higher education financing and expanding access to tertiary education across the country.
The workshop brought together representatives from government ministries, tertiary institutions, development partners, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to review the draft plan before its final adoption.
Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, described the exercise as a major step towards building a sustainable and equitable student financing system. She said the Students’ Loan Scheme, established under the 2021 Act, complements the Government’s Grant-in-Aid programme and supports President Julius Maada Bio’s Human Capital Development Agenda.
Dr. Wurie noted that financial hardship continues to prevent many qualified students from completing higher education and said the Strategic Plan prioritises expanding access, promoting fairness in loan allocation, strengthening institutional capacity, improving financial management, and building partnerships. She also emphasised support for students in STEM, agriculture, health sciences, TVET, and teacher education.
Board Chairperson Sitta Isata Kaikai described the Scheme’s first Strategic Plan as a milestone for higher education financing, highlighting achievements including support for postgraduate students and the establishment of a revolving loan framework
Presenting the draft plan, Consultant Andrew John Moifula said it is built on five strategic pillars and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Government’s Big Five Game Changers. He disclosed that the Scheme aims to provide loans to 10,000 students by 2030, with a focus on STEM programmes and underserved regions, funded through government allocations, donor support, internally generated revenue, philanthropic contributions, and other approved sources.
During discussions, officials explained that student loans carry a 2 percent value-maintaining fee and a 1.5 percent insurance premium, while beneficiaries who complete repayment will receive a settlement certificate within 14 days.
Closing the workshop, Chief Executive Officer Paul Amara said stakeholders’ recommendations would strengthen the final document before approval, adding that its implementation will require sustained collaboration to build a credible and sustainable student financing system that expands access to higher education and TVET in Sierra Leone.
