Sierra Leone, Russia Forge Stronger Educational Ties at St. Petersburg Dialogue

Sierra Leone and Russia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening educational cooperation, with discussions focusing on scholarships, Russian-language training, technical and vocational education, scientific research, and institutional partnerships during the Second Russian-African Raw Materials Dialogue in St. Petersburg, October 12-17, 2026.

Deputy Minister of Technical Higher Education Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara held bilateral talks with Russian Deputy Minister Konstantin Mogilevsky at Saint Petersburg Mining University Empress Catherine II, with both sides exploring opportunities to expand educational exchanges strengthening existing partnerships.

Welcoming the Sierra Leonean delegation, Mogilevsky recalled the Memorandum of Understanding signed by both ministries in Moscow three years ago, disclosing that six Sierra Leonean students secured fully funded scholarships through Russia's Open Doors Scholarship Programme for the current academic year. He added that 151 Sierra Leonean students are studying at Russian universities across various disciplines, expressing Russia's readiness to increase scholarship opportunities.

Aziz-Kamara conveyed greetings to President Julius Maada Bio and Technical Higher Education Minister Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, unable to attend, describing education as a cornerstone of Sierra Leone-Russia relations. He noted educational cooperation between Africa and the former Soviet Union dating back to the 1960s, producing professionals in medicine, engineering, science, technology, and agriculture.

He said education remains central to Sierra Leone development agenda under President Bio's Free Quality Education initiative and the country's ambition to attain middle-income status by 2039. Approximately 200 Sierra Leonean students are pursuing studies in Russia, with 25 graduating from Russian universities this year, including 12 medical doctors.

Aziz-Kamara called for expanded cooperation in language training, technical and vocational education, scientific research, engineering, agriculture, medicine, and digital technology, revealing Sierra Leis one explorthe establisthe establishment of permanent Russian-language training centres to prepare students for academic opportunities in Russia, promoting cultural exchange. He stressed that Russian proficiency helps students integrate into academic life, communicate effectively with counterparts, and participate fully in research, innovation, and professional development.

Sierra Leone Ambassador to Russia, Mohamed Yongawo, welcomed Russia's decision to reopto reopen the embassy in Sierra Leone, describing a strong bilateral relationship. He disclosed that Russian-language studies commenced in Sierra Leone, with Eastern Technical University discussing in Sierra Leone, and the Centre Public Diplomacy establishingthe Russian Language Cultural Centre Kenema campus.

Yongawo urged Russian authorities working with the Sierra Leonean embassy and Ministry Technical Higher Education strengthening selection process Open Doors Scholarship Programme. Former Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba called for more opportunities for Sierra Leoneans seeking postgraduate education and specialist training in Russia.

The delegation included Presidential Adviser and former Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba, Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo, Eastern Technical University Sierra Leone Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr. Lawrence Sao Babawo, and Fourah Bay College lecturer Dr. Solomon Augustine Tucker.