Freetown: The Parliamentary Committee on Technical and Higher Education, chaired by Hon. Joseph Williams-Lamin, has concluded a series of engagements with leading private universities in Sierra Leone, including Central University, Unimtech University, Unimark University, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, and AMTA Medical College. According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the engagements formed part of Parliament's constitutional oversight mandate to promote quality education and support institutions contributing to national development. Discussions focused on university operations, governance, academic programmes, student welfare, institutional achievements, sector challenges, and future development plans. Speaking during the engagements, Hon. Williams-Lamin emphasized that the meetings were intended to strengthen collaboration and deepen Parliament's understanding of the role private universities play in advancing higher education in Sierra Leone. The committee commended the institutions for expa nding access to tertiary education, promoting innovation, and producing skilled graduates. Members also recognized notable contributions in agriculture, health sciences, information technology, public administration, flexible learning, academic integrity, creative technology, and health-sector training. University management highlighted progress in student enrolment, governance systems, academic expansion, research collaboration, and online learning. They also presented plans to introduce new programmes in public health, agroecology, solid waste management, aviation studies, clinical sciences, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. The institutions, however, identified key challenges affecting the sector, including inadequate infrastructure, limited student accommodation, high energy costs, insufficient campus space, limited government support, and the need for additional land for expansion. Committee members encouraged the universities to strengthen international partnerships, diversify revenue strea ms, expand research and innovation, invest in staff development, and build stronger alumni networks. The committee further recommended the preparation of comprehensive project proposals to attract donor support for infrastructure, renewable energy, student accommodation, and campus expansion. The engagements concluded with renewed commitment from both Parliament and the universities to work collaboratively toward strengthening higher education and advancing national development in Sierra Leone. The committee also announced plans to conduct field visits to the institutions to gain firsthand insight into their operations and challenges.