The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, praised Njala University during the Postgraduate congregation ceremony held on Saturday, 24th February 2024, at the Njala Campus. She commended the University for its significant progress in alignment with the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education’s vision of sustainable education transformation. Notable achievements highlighted by the Minister included infrastructural development, leveraging technology to broaden educational access, investing in staff research capabilities, and employing innovative approaches to tackle both current and emerging challenges.
Dr. Wurie extended her sincere gratitude to the University Court, Administration, and staff for their unwavering commitment to nurturing student intellect and upholding rigorous academic standards. She underscored Njala University’s pivotal role in realizing the national development agenda, particularly in enhancing productivity and commercialization within the agriculture sector. Additionally, she emphasized the University’s role in equipping students with essential knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurial acumen vital for success in the 21st century.
“Njala University is shaping a cohort of future leaders, entrepreneurs, and change agents poised to propel Sierra Leone towards prosperity,” remarked Dr. Ramatulai.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s steadfast support for Njala University’s contributions to national development and its promotion of a culture characterized by excellence and innovation.
“While celebrating the accomplishments of our graduates, it is imperative to acknowledge the Ministry’s ongoing initiatives aimed at revolutionizing education in Sierra Leone,” she stated. “We are committed to initiatives promoting innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence, aligning our educational institutions with global standards, and equipping students with skills relevant to the dynamic demands of the modern era.”
Dr. Wurie outlined the Ministry’s strategic focus on establishing a robust legal framework for technical and higher education through the formulation of the Technical and Higher Education Act. This legislation aims to ensure quality assurance, safeguard student and educator rights, enhance accountability, and align educational institutions with sustainable national development goals.
“To strengthen our regulatory oversight, we are dedicated to revising the Tertiary Education Commission Act, empowering the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) to enhance regulatory functions, promote quality, align with national development objectives, foster international collaboration, and ensure effective governance,” she explained.
The Minister emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to establishing a solid financial foundation for all educational institutions and leveraging digital transformation to enhance efficiency across various educational processes, in line with the “Big Five Game Changers” agenda.
“In embracing the digital era, the Ministry is committed to driving comprehensive digital transformation initiatives, from admissions to administration, teaching, financial management, and data utilization, with the aim of enhancing efficiency and delivering a technologically advanced educational experience,” she concluded.
