MTHE Engages ECOWAS on Strengthening Technical and Higher Education Deputy Minister of Higher Education and cross section of ECOWAS delegation.

The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) hosted a symbolic and emotional reintegration ceremony in its Conference Room, Sababu Building, New England Ville, welcoming youth who had previously struggled with drug addiction and had successfully completed rehabilitation at the Peace Mission Training Centre (PMTC).

Deputy Minister Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara reaffirmed the government’s commitment to human capital development. He highlighted the establishment of the Kono University of Science and Technology (KUST) as a landmark initiative and urged ECOWAS support to complete the project. He also outlined plans to expand Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), promote gender inclusion, and upgrade technical institutes into community colleges.

Dr. Robert Moikowa, Acting Head of the ECOWAS National Office in Sierra Leone, explained he was accompanied by a team from the ECOWAS Commission’s Directorate for Planning to review the Medium-Term Strategic Plan (2023-2027). He framed the exercise as part of ECOWAS’s Vision 2050, aimed at engaging stakeholders, tracking progress, and refining implementation strategies. 

Mr. Gbogboto Musa, Director of Strategic Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at the ECOWAS Commission, stated that the review was mandated by the Council of Ministers in December 2024. Vision 2050 is being implemented in five-year phases starting in 2023, with five pillars under assessment: peace and security; governance; economic integration; connectivity; and social inclusion. External consultants have been engaged to ensure independent assessment across member states.

Dr. Jonathan Sandy, Institutional Consultant for the Midterm Review of the Country Strategic Framework, emphasized that the exercise addresses policy design, implementation, results, and accountability. The review will assess Sierra Leone’s role in human capital development and social inclusion while drawing lessons from ongoing projects.

Abdul Senesie, MTHE’s Director of TVET, raised concerns about the implications of ECOWAS’s proposed single currency for weaker economies and called for stronger regional cooperation on skills development and qualifications frameworks.

Sia Fasuluku, Acting Deputy Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, stressed the need to link education to industry to tackle graduate unemployment. She urged ECOWAS technical support to strengthen Sierra Leone’s TVET sector and accelerate the construction of Kono University.

ECOWAS Resident Representative John Azumah highlighted the coordinating role of the ECOWAS National Office and urged closer collaboration with ministries and institutions. He reminded Sierra Leone, as current chair of ECOWAS, of its responsibility to lead the review process and pledged continued ECOWAS support for key education projects.

The meeting established a framework for ongoing dialogue, aiming to translate strategic insights into concrete actions that enhance Sierra Leone’s educational landscape and regional development.

Correspondent-Richard Williams

Email: rw327542611@gmail.com 

Tel: +23203086143