Freetown: Eleven Sierra Leonean students commenced university studies on September 1, 2026, when the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) hosted their farewell ceremony. MTHE officials, Charg© d’Affaires a.i. of the High Commission of India Neeraj Kumar Saini, students, parents, and guardians attended the ceremony at the Minister’s Conference Room, Sababu Building, New England.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the programme follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding expanding educational opportunities for Sierra Leoneans in India, said Director of Higher Education Emmanuel J. Momoh, Esq. The initial arrangement provided for 50 students; 11 were selected for the current intake. MTHE negotiated a reduced study package costing approximately US$1,800, covering tuition, accommodation, feeding, and medical services.
“That arrangement was negotiated by the Ministry with NIST University,” Momoh said. He commended His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio for investing in higher education and creating the enabling environment, through bilateral relationships with partners, for Sierra Leoneans to broaden their horizons. He likewise commended Hon. Minister Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie for her steadfastness and commitment to technical and higher education.
Momoh urged the 11 scholars to work hard, respect Indian laws and culture, and return home with skills that would contribute to Sierra Leone’s development.
Saini congratulated the students and highlighted India’s continued support for Sierra Leone’s education sector. India provides 50 fully funded ICCR scholarships annually to Sierra Leoneans, plus 86 fully funded training opportunities for government officials and professionals, he disclosed. Saini also announced India’s support for the construction of a US$32 million Science and Technology University in Kono, expected to create opportunities in engineering, mining, and other science and technology fields.
Acting Director of Research and Planning Idrissa Sannoh reiterated that the NIST programme is partially funded and does not include additional allowances or annual travel support. MTHE hopes to expand participation to between 100 and 150 students in the coming years, he said.
National Coordinator for NIST University in Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Sellu, confirmed that the 11 students had secured their visas following coordination among NIST, MTHE, and the Indian High Commission. Their fields of study include Cyber Security, Data Science, Pharmacology, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Business Administration.
“I will accompany the students to India and ensure their proper handover to the university,” Sellu said.
Student representative Lahai David Gbatekaka Jah thanked MTHE and the Government of India, assuring them that the students would remain disciplined, focused, and committed to making Sierra Leone proud. Beneficiaries Fatima Bomporoh-Bangura and Samuel Santigie Turay also expressed gratitude, pledging to apply their new knowledge and skills toward national development.