The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, has provided updates on significant advancements in Sierra Leone’s technical and higher education sector. She made these remarks during the weekly press briefing organised by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education at the Miatta Conference Hall, Youyi Building, Freetown, on 4th February 2025.
Dr Wurie expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Information and Civic Education for fostering a credible platform for public engagement. She emphasised that one of the ministry’s key priorities is strengthening its regulatory bodies—the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and the National Council for Technical and Other Academic Awards (NCTVA). This effort aims to safeguard President Bio’s investment in education and uphold quality standards. She revealed that Parliament has recently passed two crucial Acts—The Tertiary Education Commission Act and The National Council for Technical and Vocational Act—to bolster these regulatory bodies.
Acknowledging the support of her ministry team, Dr Wurie also announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), the Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation (MOCTI), and Elcome. This partnership aims to provide reliable and sustainable internet connectivity for tertiary institutions across Sierra Leone.
She explained that consultations with students revealed widespread dissatisfaction with paying for ICT services without receiving adequate access. The new MoU seeks to address this issue by delivering affordable solar-powered devices that require minimal maintenance. These devices will ensure uninterrupted internet access for students.
Dr. Wurie further noted that this initiative aligns with President Bio’s ‘Big Five Game Changers’, particularly Pillar Four, which focuses on digitalisation. The improved digital infrastructure is expected to support human capital development and foster youth employment through e-commerce opportunities.
She also stated that the Ministry plans to create a whitelist of educational websites that will be accessible free of charge to students, even without data, as long as they are connected to the provided devices. This initiative is expected to enhance access to educational resources and bridge the digital divide among students in Sierra Leone.
Richard Williams, SLENA Correspondent
Comments