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The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Haja Ramatulai Wurie, has undertaken a series of engagements aimed at strengthening international academic partnerships and promoting technical and vocational training across the country.
During the week, the Minister served as Chief Guest at the Study in India Education Fair 2026, an initiative designed to expand overseas study opportunities for Sierra Leonean students and deepen educational ties between Sierra Leone and India.
Addressing participants at the event, Dr. Wurie emphasized the value of international education platforms in exposing young people to diverse academic programmes, scholarship opportunities, and career pathways aligned with the evolving demands of the global economy. She noted that broadening access to overseas education can complement domestic reforms in higher and technical education.
In a separate engagement, Dr. Wurie joined the Minister of Youth Affairs and the Deputy Minister of Defense at the graduation ceremony of the Armed Forces Technical and Education College (AFTEC). More than 300 trainees completed vocational programmes at the institution, with women forming the majority of the graduating class.
The graduates received training in solar installation, welding, construction, and auto mechanics fields traditionally dominated by men. The Minister described the high level of female participation as encouraging, highlighting its significance for gender inclusion in technical sectors.
Graduates were presented with sector-specific start-up kits to support their transition into employment or entrepreneurship.
According to organisers, several trainees have already secured jobs, reflecting increased collaboration between public institutions and private sector partners in advancing youth skills development and job creation.
Dr. Wurie commended AFTEC and its partners, including United Nations Development Programme Sierra Leone, Africell Group, Women in Energy, and the National Youth Commission, for their contributions to practical skills training and entrepreneurship support.
The Minister concluded that the week’s engagements underscored the importance of both international academic cooperation and local technical education in driving national development and economic transformation.
