By: Saidu Jalloh
The Sierra Leone Research and Education Network (SLREN), in collaboration with the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), the Ministry of Communication, Technology, and Innovation (MOCTI), and the West and Central African Research and Education Network (WACREN), held a leadership engagement meeting in Freetown.
The event, hosted at the New Brookfields Hotel, brought together stakeholders from higher education institutions and research funding bodies to discuss open science, research infrastructure, and the operationalization of SLREN.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Edwin J. Momoh, Vice Chancellor and Principal of Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology, underscored the significance of the engagement. He commended SLREN’s progress and its tangible benefits, while expressing gratitude to MTHE, SLREN, and WACREN for their unwavering support.
Dr. Ramatulai Wurie, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, hailed the workshop as a milestone in Sierra Leone’s academic and research landscape. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between SLREN, MTHE, MOCTI, and other partners in bridging the digital divide, enhancing access to technology, and enabling equitable digital resources, particularly in rural areas.
Dr. Wurie noted that integrating Sierra Leone into the WACREN network would not only improve research infrastructure but also foster innovation, collaboration, and excellence among students and academics. “This initiative transforms access to knowledge and ensures institutions across the country are equipped to succeed,” she said, highlighting its potential to drive economic growth, social cohesion, and national development.
Dr. Thomas Songu delivered a detailed presentation on SLREN’s achievements and roadmap for the future. He outlined the network’s progress, supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and WACREN, and reaffirmed the goal of connecting Sierra Leone to the regional research network by March 2025.
Dr. Songu also urged leaders to prioritize the sustainability of SLREN and address challenges in ICT infrastructure, academic publishing, and digital repositories. He emphasized the need to close the digital divide and elevate Sierra Leonean universities to meet global standards.
Chloe Wall, representing the FCDO, commended SLREN’s efforts to foster impactful research and innovation in Sierra Leone. She highlighted the significance of partnerships between SLREN and international stakeholders in strengthening research ecosystems, noting that science, technology, and innovation are critical catalysts for sustainable development and economic growth.
The leadership engagement concluded with calls for continued collaboration and investment in research and education infrastructure to empower Sierra Leone’s academic community and contribute to national development.
