Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie Champions Expanded Global Academic Pathways for Sierra Leonean Youth.

Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, spearheaded key diplomatic engagements this week, reinforcing Sierra Leone's commitment to international academic collaboration. Serving as Chief Guest at the Study in India Education Fair 2026, Dr. Wurie championed expanded overseas study opportunities connecting Sierra Leonean students with Indian academic institutions.

The initiative strengthens bilateral education ties while exposing young Sierra Leoneans to diverse academic programmes, scholarship pathways, and career opportunities aligned with global economic demands.

Dr. Wurie later joined the Minister of Youth Affairs and Deputy Minister of Defense at the Armed Forces Technical and Education College (AFTEC) graduation ceremony. More than 300 trainees completed vocational programmes, with female graduates constituting the majority.

Women trainees excelled in solar installation, welding, construction, and auto mechanics—fields traditionally dominated by men. Dr. Wurie described this milestone as both inspiring and progressive for Sierra Leone's technical education landscape.

Graduates received sector-specific start-up kits facilitating immediate livelihood opportunities. Several graduates have already secured employment, demonstrating growing public-private collaboration in youth skills development and job creation.

Dr. Wurie commended AFTEC and implementing partners UNDP Sierra Leone, Africell Group, Women in Energy, and the National Youth Commission—for investing in practical training promoting productivity, entrepreneurship, and gender inclusion.

These engagements underscore the critical role of both local and international education in driving national growth and transformation. Dr. Wurie reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to expanding technical education access while strengthening Sierra Leone's global academic partnerships.

Correspondent-Richard Williams

Ministry of Technical and Higher Education

Tel: +23203086143