By: Saidu Jalloh
The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) and the Ministry of Transport and Aviation (MoTA) have initiated discussions on a potential partnership following a familiarisation tour of the Automotive Training Centre of Excellence at Freetown Polytechnic’s Kissy Campus.
The centre, established by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization with funding support from the Government of Japan, was developed at the request of Julius Maada Bio to strengthen technical and vocational education in Sierra Leone.
Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara, described the facility as a significant step toward youth empowerment and job creation. He revealed that authorities are considering expanding the centre’s mandate to include vehicle servicing for government institutions as a revenue-generating measure to enhance sustainability.
Minister of Transport and Aviation, Alhaji Fanday Turay, praised the centre’s strong emphasis on practical training, noting that hands-on skills are essential in modern technical education. He called for increased female participation and proposed collaboration in vehicle maintenance, road safety, and potential local vehicle assembly. He added that a technical team may be formed to advance formal partnership discussions.
Officials at Freetown Polytechnic highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration to sustain the centre’s operations. Kissy Campus Dean, Prince Brainard, urged students to pursue specialised skills to improve service delivery and enterprise development, noting that partnerships would be critical to the centre’s long-term impact.
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Musa Bah, stated that the institution operates a competency-based training model focused on practical learning across five levels, equipping graduates with skills for self-employment. He noted that female enrolment has increased to about 30 percent and expressed optimism about prospects for local vehicle assembly.
Registrar Moses S. Sowa highlighted the institution’s more than 60-year history in technical training, adding that programmes are adaptable to industry needs and supported by internationally trained instructors.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Trainer Tamba Komba cited limited access to diagnostic software and slow IT systems as constraints on advanced training, while Workshop Supervisor Samuel B. Koroma pointed to an inadequate water supply.
Nevertheless, nearly 60 students are currently enrolled in the programme and actively engaged in hands-on training.
The visit forms part of ongoing efforts by government institutions to strengthen technical education and align skills development with labour market demands in Sierra Leone.