Freetown: The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) successfully wrapped up a pivotal two-day workshop on February 26, 2026, at Freetown Polytechnic. The intensive session focused on critically reviewing and refining the Ministry’s 2026 Strategic Plan.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the workshop convened senior officials, directors, and key partners for an in-depth assessment of the current framework. Participants identified emerging challenges, explored new opportunities, and forged a consensus on actionable priorities for the year ahead.
Dr. Josephus Brimah, MTHE’s Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, framed the review as a crucial step in defining the Ministry’s trajectory for the next half-decade. He emphasized that the Strategic Plan is the essential roadmap for both technical and higher education. Dr. Brimah highlighted the pressing requirement to tackle critical issues, notably establishing sustainable financing for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Christiana Samu, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, explained the review’s vital role in shaping the forthcoming Education Sector Plan. She candidly acknowledged past hurdles in monitoring and evaluation, including limited staff capacity and resources. Director Samu called for enhanced inter-unit collaboration to develop a realistic, results-oriented plan firmly aligned with national development goals.
The imperative for greater investment in science, technology, and innovation was strongly articulated by Fatmata Kaiwa, Director of Science Education. She stressed the necessity of upgrading laboratory infrastructure, harmonizing science and mathematics curricula, and bolstering teacher training to resolve the shortage of qualified science educators.
Addressing the national skills gap was a central theme. Augustine Alie, Senior Education Officer for TVET, underscored the plan’s role in combating unemployment. He advocated for a sharp focus on quality and relevance, improving public perception of TVET, and forging robust public-private partnerships. Mr. Alie also called for sustainable financing, digital transformation, and the establishment of clear performance indicators.
Winston Mella Jalloh, Deputy Secretary General of the Sierra Leone National Commission for UNESCO, lauded the workshop as a constructive move toward strengthening human capital development. He noted its significance in shaping programs, improving resource management, and expanding funding strategies for digital learning.
Acting Director of Planning and Research, Idrissa Sannoh, revealed the workshop doubled as a capacity-building exercise. It equipped staff with the skills to develop and implement a SMART strategic plan. Mr. Sannoh stressed the importance of aligning the new plan with the Government’s “Big Five Game Changers” and ongoing digital transformation initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Permanent Secretary Mohamed Sheick Kargbo commended the dedication of staff and partners throughout the two-day session. He described the review as a landmark step in advancing the Ministry’s development agenda.
Mr. Kargbo specifically thanked participants who traveled from provincial regions, underscoring the need to strengthen regional offices through targeted capacity building. He encouraged sustained collaboration as the Ministry advances its reform efforts, ensuring the revised Strategic Plan translates into tangible progress across Sierra Leone’s technical and higher education landscape.