In a historic move, Hon. Chernor Bah, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, has secured a groundbreaking partnership with Columbia University, one of the United States’ most prestigious Ivy League institutions. This landmark agreement is set to position Sierra Leone as a center of excellence in global health, education, and civic leadership, with a particular focus on empowering the nation’s youth.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on August 12, 2025, by Minister Bah and Dr. Thoai Ngo, Professor and Chair of Columbia’s Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, was formally unveiled by Columbia University on August 27, 2025.
At its core, the partnership aims to empower the next generation of Sierra Leoneans by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to succeed on the global stage. It will create new opportunities for students, researchers, and government officials to access Ivy League-level training and mentorship. The partnership will also support joint research initiatives addressing critical issues such as health inequities, civic engagement, and sustainable development.
“Sierra Leone’s greatest resource is its young people,” Minister Bah stated. “By investing in their education and leadership today, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more prosperous, and more resilient Sierra Leone tomorrow.”
This collaboration bridges global expertise with local aspirations. While Columbia University brings world-leading knowledge in public health and development, Sierra Leone offers a dynamic environment for innovation and the testing of solutions. The partnership will also foster new avenues for increasing civic participation.
“This collaboration shows that investing in Sierra Leone is not only vital for the country but also strategically important for the region,” said Dr. Ngo. “By building capacity locally, we are helping to shape a generation of leaders who will influence policy and practice across West Africa.”
Through this MoU, Sierra Leone will host new platforms for evidence generation, policy innovation, and civic education, designed to equip young leaders with the skills and confidence necessary to drive positive change. The impact will go beyond academic settings, strengthening governance, amplifying citizens’ voices, and positioning Sierra Leone as a beacon of innovation in West Africa.
“By partnering with Columbia University, we are creating opportunities that will transform lives for generations to come,” Minister Bah concluded. “This is how we secure Sierra Leone’s future by investing in our youth and unlocking their limitless potential.”