Ministries Discuss the Transformation of Civil Service Training College into Public Service Academy.

The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) and the Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs (MoPAPA) have begun formal discussions on transforming the Civil Service Training College (CSTC) into a Public Service Academy.

This ambitious reform seeks to fundamentally strengthen professional development and standards within Sierra Leone's public service. Chaired by MTHE Permanent Secretary Mohamed Sheick Kargbo, the high-level meeting united senior officials, technical experts, and representatives from the supporting African Institute of Economic Development and Planning (IDEP).

Dr. Josephus Brimah, MTHE’s Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, immediately set a substantive tone. He argued the reform must transcend mere “nomenclature” to focus squarely on practical outcomes. “The proposed academy must be designed to meet the practical needs of the public service,” he stated, emphasizing continuous training for both new entrants and seasoned officers. Dr. Brimah called for broad consultations, inclusive of retired civil servants, to ensure curricula are “fit for purpose.” He stressed mandatory alignment with the National Qualifications Framework, proper accreditation, and investing in strong pedagogical capacity for trainers.

The transition’s complexity was underscored by Abdul Senesie, MTHE’s Director of Technical and Vocational Education and Training. He highlighted critical questions around accreditation, certification, and the academy’s placement within Sierra Leone’s broader education architecture. “We must ensure the academy is properly positioned within the academic, TVET, and emerging micro-credential strands,” Senesie noted, advocating for wider stakeholder engagement.

Director of Public Administration Momoh Conteh, framed the initiative as a cornerstone of the President’s public service reform agenda targeting 2030. He clarified the academy would replace the CSTC, expanding its scope and mandate. A new site at Six Mile has been identified, and specialized institutions, like a foreign service academy, would operate under its umbrella. Crucially, Mr. Conteh outlined the academy’s intended role in career progression, where specific courses could become integral to promotion requirements.

The dialogue swiftly turned to enduring hurdles. Rebecca Saffa, MTHE’s Director of Human Resource, pointed to issues of coordination and sustainable funding for public service training. She proposed innovative financing models and digital learning platforms to enhance accessibility. Fatmata Kaiwa, Director of Science Education at MTHE, raised a pointed fiscal concern, questioning if a new academy would strain limited resources and suggesting some specialized training could be integrated into existing institutions.

External partner IDEP echoed these sustainability warnings. Training Officer Mamadou Cisse cautioned against donor dependency, urging government-led financing solutions. Bakary Dosso, IDEP’s Director of Training and Research, mentioned that MTHE’s role in accreditation and curriculum is indispensable for the transition's success, which must also embrace digital transformation.

Officials unanimously agreed on the necessity of continued, inclusive dialogue to align all stakeholders. The immediate next step is validating a draft management and functional review of the CSTC, which will create the concrete roadmap for this transformative national project.

Correspondent-Richard Williams

Ministry of Technical and Higher Education

Tel: +23203086143