The Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education of Sierra Leone, Hon. Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara has today emphasized the importance of global partnerships in achieving educational goals.
Addressing distinguished delegates, including the Russian President Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking officials. Aziz-Kamara highlighted Sierra Leone’s dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly quality education and lifelong learning.
Representing Minister Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Aziz-Kamara conveyed warm greetings from President Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone, he congratulated President Putin on his recent re-election and thanked the Russian hosts for their exceptional hospitality, describing their experience in Kazan as truly welcoming.
Aziz-Kamara underscored Sierra Leone’s longstanding bilateral relations with Russia, which have spanned over 60 years mentioned the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Technical and Higher Edu
cation and the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education, which aims to support joint programs in scholarships, academic exchanges, and research collaborations.
Highlighting the impact of Russian education on Sierra Leone, he noted that over 3,000 Sierra Leoneans have been trained in Russia, contributing significantly to the country’s development. Currently, 136 Sierra Leonean students benefit from Russian scholarships.
Aziz-Kamara outlined Sierra Leone’s national priorities in education and human capital development, including the allocation of 22% of the national budget to Free Quality School Education (FQSE) and the introduction of an education levy tax. These efforts have positioned President Bio as a global education champion.
He emphasized the importance of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Sierra Leone’s development strategy. The country is set to launch a Dual-Apprenticeship Policy to equip the youth with essential skills, supported by a Competency Based Examination and
Training (CBET) framework.
Aziz-Kamara discussed Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024-2030), which identifies education as a key driver in achieving ambitious national targets. The plan includes initiatives to increase school enrollment, expand education access in remote areas, and establish new universities, including technical and science-focused institutions.
The Deputy Minister expressed a desire to strengthen ties with Russian educational institutions, particularly in Kazan, to facilitate student exchanges and scholarships. He called for support in integrating digital learning, artificial intelligence, and innovation into Sierra Leone’s education system to meet the 2030 SDG targets.
Aziz-Kamara ended by reiterating Sierra Leone’s commitment to global educational partnerships and thanked the forum delegates for their attention.
Source: Sierra Leone News Agency