By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) and India’s National Institute of Science and Technology University (NIST University) on 7 May 2026 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening higher education, research, innovation, and academic exchange between the two institutions.
The agreement was signed by the Director of Higher Education, Emmanuel J. Momoh, and the Acting Director of Research, Planning and Development, Idrissa Sannoh, on behalf of the Ministry. The MoU formalizes discussions that began last year following a visit by a delegation from NIST University to Sierra Leone.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Momoh described the agreement as a major milestone in the growing relationship between Sierra Leone and India.
He said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing higher education through collaboration in research, teaching, faculty development, and exchange programmes for academic and administrative staff.
Momoh noted that the Ministry considered it important to reciprocate NIST University’s earlier visit and formalize the collaboration. Before the signing ceremony, officials reviewed the document and sought legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to ensure compliance with government regulations.
“Signing an MoU is not the end; developing a roadmap for its implementation is equally important,” Momoh stated. He expressed confidence that both parties would remain committed to fulfilling their responsibilities under the agreement.
The partnership aligns with the Human Capital Development agenda of Julius Maada Bio. Momoh emphasized the Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality tertiary education, strengthening research capacity, and promoting international academic exchange.
Areas of cooperation under the agreement include joint research projects, curriculum development, faculty training, and staff exchange programmes. The partnership is expected to provide Sierra Leonean academics and administrators with access to NIST University’s expertise in science, technology, and innovation.
Momoh also acknowledged the role of Idrissa Sannoh, who will serve as the focal point for the collaboration. Sannoh is expected to coordinate implementation activities and monitor progress against agreed benchmarks.
The Ministry stated that the agreement supports its broader objective of internationalizing higher education and preparing graduates for a competitive global economy. NIST University is recognized for its strengths in engineering and applied sciences, areas Sierra Leone hopes to benefit from through the partnership.
With the MoU now in effect, both institutions are expected to develop an implementation roadmap outlining timelines, funding arrangements, and performance indicators. Officials anticipate that the first exchange programmes will commence during the next academic year.