By: Aminata Sesay
The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) and the Anti-Glossophobia Academy, hosted the grand finale of the UN@80 Inter-School Quiz and University Debate Competition at the Miatta Conference Hall in Freetown.
This national event marked the UN’s 80th anniversary and brought together students from across Sierra Leone to showcase their knowledge, intellect, and debating skills on both national and global issues.
Representing the Ministry, Idrissa Sannoh, Acting Director of Research, Planning, and Development, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to using education as a driver for peace, tolerance, and sustainable development. He highlighted that the competition celebrated “knowledge, dialogue, and youth potential” and emphasized MTHE’s ongoing collaboration with the UN to enhance higher education, technical training, and research in Sierra Leone.
“Young people are central to building a peaceful and innovative future,” Sannoh stated. “Through education and global partnerships, we are equipping them with the skills and mindset needed for national transformation.”
UN Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana, commended the participating students for their creativity and deep understanding of the UN’s mission. She noted that the event provided an opportunity to reflect on eight decades of the UN’s contributions to peacebuilding, human rights, and development.
“As the UN marks 80 years of global service, it is inspiring to see Sierra Leonean youth embody the ideals of dialogue, learning, and cooperation,” she said.
In the inter-school quiz, Queen of the Rosary School (QRS) emerged as the champion with a score of 40%, earning NLe 10,000. They were followed by Sierra Leone Grammar School with 35%, taking home NLe 7,000. St. Francis Secondary School, Albert Academy, and Milton Margai School for the Blind also participated. Samuella Y. Tommy of QRS was named Best Quizer with 10 points.
In the university debate category, Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) triumphed with a score of 84%, winning NLe 25,000. They were closely followed by Fourah Bay College (FBC) with 83%, who received NLe 15,000. Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) scored 79% and earned NLe 10,000, while Limkokwing University finished with 77%. Abraham Lapia of FBC was named Best Debater with 90%, followed by Emmanuel Bundor of IPAM, who scored 84%.
The UN@80 Quiz and Debate Competition reaffirmed the crucial role of education in shaping informed, articulate, and globally aware citizens. It also strengthened partnerships between the government, academia, and international organizations in advancing Sierra Leone’s development agenda.