Deputy Minister Commends TRICO College Vision as Kono Welcomes Advanced Technology Institution.

(SLENA)-Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara, led a high-level delegation to the inaugural opening of TRICO College of Innovation and Advanced Technology in Kono. Accompanying him were the Deputy Chief Technical Higher Education Officer from the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) and the Director of the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education (NCTVE). Their presence underscored government recognition of the institution’s strategic importance in reshaping technical education.

Designed to equip young people with cutting-edge competencies, TRICO College will offer courses in Artificial Intelligence, Entrepreneurship, Online Business, and Web Design. The curriculum leverages online educational resources through a partnership with AGILIX Inc., a United States-based organization. The institution aims to serve not only Kono but also the neighbouring districts of Kailahun, Kenema, Koinadugu, and Tonkolili, positioning itself as a regional hub for innovation.

Mustapha Turay, a Kono native and Proprietor of the College, drew commendation for his foresight in establishing the institution. His vision aligns with broader efforts to decentralize access to advanced learning and create opportunities for youth in rural and peri-urban communities.

Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister Aziz-Kamara lauded the College’s commitment to human capital development, noting its direct alignment with government priorities focused on empowering young people through 21st-century skills. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between TRICO College and the Kono University of Science and Technology, stating that President Bio remains intentional about maximizing developmental benefits for Kono under the administration’s big-five game changers—particularly human capital development, technology, and innovation.

TRICO College stands among the first beneficiaries of AGILIX’s partnership with MTHE, formalized through a memorandum of understanding to establish Future Learning Institutes across Sierra Leone. These institutes place strong emphasis on artificial intelligence and digital learning as pillars of modern education.

The Deputy Minister also acknowledged stakeholders in Kono for their steadfast support. He highlighted progress on the Kono University project, along with ongoing review and implementation of key policies, including the University Act, Dual Apprenticeship Policy, Micro-Credentials framework, National Qualifications Framework, and efforts to strengthen the mandates of NCTVE and the Tertiary Education Commission.

In closing, Mr. Aziz-Kamara reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to supporting TRICO College and advancing critical reforms in technical and higher education, ensuring these efforts remain firmly anchored in Sierra Leone’s national development aspirations.

Correspondent-Richard Williams

Ministry of Technical and Higher Education

Tel:23203086143