By: Saidu Jalloh
The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) in Sierra Leone, in partnership with the European Union (EU), has held an informative session on the European Community Action for the Mobility of University Students (ERASMUS+) to strengthen Sierra Leone’s higher education sector. The event, held at the Ministry of Finance’s conference hall in Freetown, also marked the official appointment of Erasmus+ Institutional Focal Persons, who will oversee the program’s implementation across higher educational institutions in the country.
Sia Fasuluku, Sierra Leone’s Erasmus National Focal Person welcomed the participants, emphasizing the critical role of education in national development. She commended Erasmus+ for its dedication to building technical education capacity, referring to it as the “master key” to progress. Fasuluku encouraged citizens to seize scholarship opportunities to gain the skills needed for Sierra Leone’s advancement, emphasizing the importance of returning home to address local challenges.
Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, delivered a keynote address commending the EU’s support for initiatives like Erasmus+, which align with President Julius Maada Bio’s vision of equitable and globally competitive education. She described Erasmus+ as a platform for mutual empowerment, enabling Sierra Leonean institutions to collaborate with European partners in addressing global and local challenges.
Dr. Wurie identified three priority areas where the program aligns with Sierra Leone’s development goals: Building capacity for excellence, Advancing equitable partnership and Driving needs-based research
She urged universities and vocational institutions to embrace Erasmus+, positioning themselves as hubs for innovation and sustainable growth.
Elisa Tesselli, Program Manager for the EU Delegation to Sierra Leone, underscored Erasmus+ as one of the EU’s most impactful initiatives since 1987. Sharing her experience as a former beneficiary, Tesselli noted that over 12 million people have benefitted from the program globally. She reassured attendees of the EU’s support for applicants, advising them to prepare strong submissions and plan their visa processes early.
Dr. Samba Moriba, Principal of Freetown Polytechnic, expressed strong support for Erasmus+. He termed the initiative critical for the country’s development, stressing the transformative power of education.
Osman Turay, Secretary General of the Council of Heads of Technical Institutions, highlighted the importance of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in economic development. He emphasized collaboration to strengthen TVET, ensuring that young people acquire the skills needed to thrive in the workforce.
Victor A. Sesay, Director of Ecosystem and Capability Development of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center, noted the program’s relevance to addressing modern challenges, such as cyber threats. He emphasized the importance of cybersecurity education for national security.
Nadia Perkinson, Manager for Academic Programmes, New Institutions and Legislations of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), lauded Erasmus+ for addressing gaps in lecturer training and institutional capacity, aligning with Sierra Leone’s human capital development goals.
Oladapo Coulson-Olowu, Public Relations Officer for the National Council for Technical, Vocational, and Other Academic Awards (NCTVA), described the program as a major step forward, urging Sierra Leoneans to apply for scholarships that prepare them for the job market.