Higher Education Ministry unveils 2027 budget, Strategic Plan

The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has presented its 2027 Strategic Plan and budget proposals. The Miatta Civic Centre hosted the 21 September 2026 session, which drew senior Ministry officials, university leaders, principals, budget oversight committees, civil society organisations, non-state actors and the media.

Deputy Minister Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara highlighted the Ministry's role in advancing the Human Capital Development Agenda. He called for increased support for universities and expanded Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), noting plans to establish additional Government Technical Institutes and Community Technical Colleges. He also raised concerns over delayed university subventions and stressed the importance of digital infrastructure, science and technology.

Christiana Samu, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, presented the Ministry's achievements and ongoing programmes, including the Students' Loan Scheme, teacher training, curriculum reforms, the Apprenticeship Policy and the development of science, technology and innovation initiatives. She reported progress in legislation, infrastructure, furniture provision and digital systems, while identifying inadequate resources and infrastructure as key challenges.

Senior Budget Officer Laima A.K. Dumbuya outlined the Ministry's budget performance, expenditure and project financing. She reported 2025 budget absorption of about 67 percent. She highlighted funding gaps affecting major projects, including Kono University of Science and Technology, the National Archives and Records Centre, and the transformation of GTIs into community colleges. She also presented institutional revenue projections and outstanding government obligations to higher education institutions.

Senior Permanent Secretary Sheick Kargbo clarified that the Ministry supports the proposal for the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education (NCTVE) to have a stand-alone budget vote. He also distinguished the roles of NCTVE and the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), explaining that NCTVE oversees technical and vocational institutions. At the same time, TEC handles accreditation of universities and other tertiary institutions.

Finance Ministry Deputy Director of Budget Dr Ilara Mahdi noted the Ministry's consistency in keeping within the budget ceiling, commended participants for their engagement and stressed accountability and collaboration. She addressed university recruitment and promotion issues, outstanding grants-in-aid and the need for greater public sensitisation of the Students' Loan Scheme, encouraging stronger engagement with civil society.

The engagement concluded with discussions on the Ministry's proposed projects and priorities for the 2027 financial year.