The Sierra Leone Research and Education Network (SLREN) convened a Leadership Engagement meeting on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown. The event brought together key leaders from higher education regulatory bodies and research funding organisations to advance discussions on open science, research infrastructure, and the operationalisation of the National Research and Education Network (NREN) in Sierra Leone.
Prominent Stakeholder Contributions
Professor Edwin J. Momoh, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Ernest Bai Koroma University underscored the importance of leadership engagement in the progress of SLREN. He expressed optimism about the tangible outcomes already being realised from the operationalisation of the network. He thanked the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) and the West and Central African Research and Education Network (WACREN) for their steadfast support.
Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, described the workshop as a landmark initiative, highlighting its role in fostering collaboration among SLREN, MTHE, the Ministry of Communication Technology and Innovation (MOTI), and other key stakeholders. She emphasised SLREN's transformative potential to empower Sierra Leone’s research and academic community to compete globally, bridge the digital divide, and expand equitable access to technology, particularly in rural areas.
Dr. Wurie further noted that integrating Sierra Leone into WACREN's regional backbone would unlock significant opportunities for innovation, international collaboration, and excellence in education and research.
Progress and Future Vision
Dr. Thomas Songu delivered a presentation detailing SLREN’s journey and future roadmap. He highlighted milestones achieved with the support of the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and WACREN, including plans to connect Sierra Leone to the regional research network by March 2025.
Dr. Songu emphasised the need for leadership commitment to ensure SLREN’s sustainability and address pressing challenges in ICT infrastructure, academic publishing, and digital repositories. He called for collective efforts to bridge the digital divide and elevate Sierra Leone’s universities to meet global standards.
International Collaboration
Chloe Wall, representing the FCDO, commended SLREN’s achievements in fostering impactful research and innovation. She highlighted the importance of initiatives like the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) and the collaboration between SLREN and international partners to strengthen the nation’s research ecosystem. Ms Wall also reaffirmed the role of science, technology, and innovation as key drivers of sustainable development and economic growth.
Actionable Outcomes
The workshop concluded with a series of resolutions aimed at transforming Sierra Leone’s education and research landscape, including:
A comprehensive roadmap to connect SLREN to the WACREN regional network.
Strategies to modernise ICT services in universities and promote a culture of research excellence.
Enhanced stakeholder collaboration to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to technology and resources.
Conclusion
The Leadership Engagement meeting marked a pivotal step in positioning Sierra Leone as a hub for research and innovation in West Africa. With a collective vision and strengthened partnerships, SLREN is poised to transform the nation’s education and research sectors, driving sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
For further information, please contact:
Richard Williams
Ministry of Technical and Higher Education
Phone: +23203086143
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