The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), in collaboration with the European Union (EU), has organised an information session on the European Community Action for the Mobility of University Students (Erasmus+). Held on December 4, 2024, at the Ministry of Finance’s conference hall in Freetown, the event aimed to enhance Sierra Leone’s higher education system and officially appoint Erasmus+ Institutional Focal Persons to oversee the program’s implementation in tertiary institutions nationwide.
Erasmus+ as a Catalyst for Development
Sia Fasuluku, Sierra Leone’s Erasmus National Focal Person, opened the session with a warm welcome, emphasising education's role as a cornerstone of national development. She commended Erasmus+ for its focus on building technical education capacity, describing it as the "master key" to progress. Fasuluku encouraged Sierra Leoneans to embrace scholarship opportunities offered by Erasmus+, urging beneficiaries to return home to contribute to addressing local challenges.
In her keynote address, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, expressed gratitude to the EU for its continuous support of initiatives like Erasmus+. This initiative aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s vision of providing equitable and globally competitive education. She described Erasmus+ as a platform fostering mutual empowerment and collaboration between Sierra Leonean and European institutions to tackle global and local challenges.
The Minister outlined three priority areas where Erasmus+ aligns with Sierra Leone’s development goals:
Building capacity for excellence
Advancing equitable partnerships
Driving needs-based research
She urged universities and vocational institutions to embrace Erasmus+, positioning themselves as centres of innovation and sustainable growth.
EU’s Commitment to Supporting Sierra Leone
Elisa Tesselli, Program Manager for the EU Delegation to Sierra Leone and a former Erasmus+ beneficiary, highlighted the program’s transformative impact since its inception in 1987. She noted that over 12 million individuals globally, including academics, students, and professionals, have benefitted from Erasmus+. Tesselli reassured the attendees of the EU’s commitment to supporting applicants, advising them to prepare robust submissions and plan their visa processes early.
Stakeholder Endorsements
Dr. Samba Moriba, Principal of Freetown Polytechnic, endorsed Erasmus+, describing it as a transformative tool for national development. He stressed the role of education in driving meaningful change.
Osman Turay, Secretary General of the Council of Heads of Technical Institutions, underscored the importance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in economic development. He called for greater collaboration to strengthen TVET and equip young people with workforce-relevant skills.
Victor A. Sesay, Director of Ecosystem and Capability Development at the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center, emphasised the program's relevance in addressing modern challenges such as cyber threats and the importance of integrating cybersecurity education into national capacity-building efforts.
Nadia Perkinson, Manager for Academic Programs at the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), applauded Erasmus+ for addressing gaps in lecturer training and institutional capacity. She emphasised its alignment with Sierra Leone’s human capital development goals.
Oladapo Coulson-Olowu, Public Relations Officer for the National Council for Technical, Vocational, and Other Academic Awards (NCTVA), lauded the program as a significant step forward. He encouraged Sierra Leoneans to apply for scholarships designed to prepare them for the job market and enhance the nation’s workforce.
As Sierra Leone strengthens its higher education system through partnerships like Erasmus+, the country is poised to leverage global opportunities for local advancement, fostering innovation, skill development, and sustainable growth.
Richard Williams
+23203086143
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