By: Mohamed J. Bangura
The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, has called on universities across Sierra Leone to prioritize research, promote innovation, strengthen faculty development and establish stronger partnerships with industry to accelerate national development.
She made the call while delivering the keynote address at Njala University’s graduation ceremony, held under the theme, “Advancing Innovation, Expanding Opportunities and Building a University for National Development.”
Dr. Wurie emphasised that universities must move beyond their traditional role of awarding academic qualifications and position themselves as centres of knowledge creation, research, innovation and practical solutions to the country’s development challenges.
She said higher education institutions have a critical responsibility to produce graduates who are not only academically qualified but also equipped with relevant skills, creativity and the ability to contribute meaningfully to national progress.
The Minister linked this responsibility to President Julius Maada Bio’s human capital development agenda, stressing that investment in education, skills development and knowledge creation is essential to building a productive workforce and achieving sustainable national development.
She urged universities to continuously improve teaching and learning standards while creating an environment that promotes critical thinking, scientific research and innovative ideas capable of addressing challenges across various sectors of the economy.
Dr. Wurie stressed that research should receive greater attention within higher education institutions, noting that it provides a foundation for evidence-based policymaking, technological advancement and practical solutions to national challenges.
She also underscored the importance of investing in faculty development, explaining that strengthening the capacity of lecturers and academic staff is essential to improving the quality of university education and ensuring that students receive relevant and competitive training.
Furthermore, she encouraged universities to establish stronger partnerships with the private sector and industries to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the practical demands of the labour market.
According to her, collaboration between universities and industry would provide students with opportunities to gain practical experience, promote entrepreneurship and develop the competencies needed to contribute to economic growth.
Congratulating the graduands, their families and the entire Njala University community, Dr. Wurie commended the university’s leadership, academic and administrative staff for their dedication and collective efforts in making the graduation ceremony successful.
She acknowledged the commitment required to complete university education and recognized the contributions of families, lecturers and other stakeholders in supporting students throughout their academic journeys.
Addressing the graduates, the Minister reminded them that obtaining a university qualification should not be seen as the end of their responsibilities but rather the beginning of a new chapter of service, leadership and commitment to society.
She encouraged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies to address challenges in their communities and contribute to Sierra Leone’s development.
Dr. Wurie further urged the graduates to uphold integrity, professionalism, discipline and dedication in their respective careers, emphasizing that their academic achievements should translate into meaningful contributions to society.
She also encouraged them to remain guided by the values and ideals of Njala University, particularly its motto, “Knowledge and Service,” which reflects the institution’s commitment to using education as an instrument for societal transformation.
The graduation ceremony provided an opportunity to celebrate the academic achievements of students while highlighting the critical role of higher education in advancing Sierra Leone’s development aspirations.
Dr. Wurie’s message reinforced the need for universities to align their academic programmes with national priorities, strengthen research capacity and embrace innovation to prepare graduates for an increasingly competitive and technology-driven world.
Her call highlights the importance of transforming higher education institutions into engines of research, innovation, entrepreneurship and human capital development capable of generating the knowledge, skills and practical solutions needed to drive Sierra Leone’s long-term development.