The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) held a high-level consultative meeting with heads of higher education institutions (HEIs) on December 2, 2024, at the MTHE Conference Room, Sababu Building, New England Ville. The meeting addressed critical issues affecting the sector, including graduation timelines, issuance of transcripts, statements of results, original certificates, asset registers, research repositories, annual census, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and Education Week plans.
The engagement attracted leaders from public and private higher education institutions across Sierra Leone, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to fostering collaboration and improving education outcomes.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, stated that the meeting's purpose was to tackle challenges affecting the smooth operation of universities and align efforts to improve efficiency, transparency, and innovation within the sector. She emphasised the need to strengthen partnerships with stakeholders and develop solutions collectively to ensure ownership and accountability at all levels.
Dr. Wurie highlighted several key areas for reform, including establishing a Technical Working Group and a National Research Repository to consolidate academic research across institutions. She stressed the importance of institutional review boards in all universities to oversee research ethics and processes.
“There is a significant capacity gap within our universities,” Dr. Wurie noted, citing the shortage of faculty members with doctoral qualifications to supervise master’s-level research. She encouraged institutions to prioritise capacity-building programs and establish a dedicated fund to support faculty development.
The Minister further proposed creating a National Research and Innovation Policy to guide institutions in developing innovations supporting the country’s socio-economic growth. “A national research framework will provide evidence-based solutions to contemporary challenges and strengthen links between academia, policy, and industry,” she explained.
On the digitalisation front, Dr. Wurie commended the strides made through partnerships, including the Ministry's collaboration with the United Community to enhance Learning Management Systems in universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. She revealed plans to roll out Starlink internet connectivity across public and private universities, ensuring uninterrupted access to educational resources.
“The government’s support through internet facilities and solar-powered infrastructure will boost online learning and digital access, benefiting all students, including those with disabilities,” she stated. Dr. Wurie also noted efforts to reduce financial barriers for persons with disabilities through targeted grant-in-aid programs and integrating assistive technologies into campus buildings and online platforms.
The Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sarjoh Aziz Kamara, underscored the significance of the meeting, describing it as an opportunity to advance discussions on key areas such as asset registers, research repositories, and the timely issuance of certificates. He reiterated the Ministry's commitment to implementing digital solutions for issuing certificates at graduation ceremonies.
Mr. Kamara praised the educational reforms spearheaded under the leadership of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, emphasizing that the sector has made commendable progress in achieving the government’s educational transformation agenda.
Dr. Wurie concluded the meeting by acknowledging President Julius Maada Bio's and the Ministry of Technology and Innovation's support for creating an environment that would enable the deployment of advanced internet facilities (Starlink) in universities. She also mentioned that the West African Research and Education Network (WACREN) would connect all universities to a shared network, improving access to educational materials and collaborative learning.
The meeting ended with a call for collective action among stakeholders to address challenges and implement solutions to drive growth, innovation, and inclusivity across Sierra Leone’s higher education sector.
Richard Williams
SLENA Correspondent
Tel: +232 030 861 43
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