MTHE, Njala University Break Ground for New Medical School in Bo

The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), in partnership with Njala University, has officially turned the sod for the construction of a new medical school building at the university’s Kowama campus in Bo, a move officials say will expand medical education and strengthen the country’s healthcare system.

The L-shaped, two-storey facility will feature six modern classrooms, each with seating for 200 students, giving the building a total capacity of 1,200 learners at a time. Additional amenities include two laboratories, four offices, and restroom facilities designed to support sustainable and practical teaching and learning environments.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Permanent Secretary Mohamed Sheick Kargbo said the project aligns with the government’s agenda to broaden access to quality education and build a skilled workforce.

“This is not just about infrastructure,” he said. “It is about building the next generation of competent, innovative, and responsive health professionals who can drive national development.”

Chancellor of Njala University, Prof. Sahr Moses Gevao, said the medical school concept has been under development for years and that the university has completed key groundwork in curriculum design, staffing, and infrastructure. He added that pre-medical students have already completed foundational studies, while existing administrative buildings and laboratories will support the new programme.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Bashiru Koroma, described the project as a strategic investment aimed at producing globally competitive health professionals. He noted that the facility will include modern classrooms, laboratories, and simulation environments to enhance teaching and research.

Health officials at the ceremony stressed the urgent need for more doctors in Sierra Leone. Bo District Medical Officer, Dr. Amara Steven Ngegbai, said the country currently trains only about 50 to 80 doctors annually—well below international benchmarks—and that additional training institutions are essential to close the gap and ease pressure on existing health workers.

Local leaders also welcomed the development. Mayor of Bo City, Koba Musa, praised Njala University and government efforts to decentralize higher education, noting that opportunities once concentrated in Freetown are increasingly becoming available in the southern region. Idrissa Sannoh, Administrator of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), described the project as a major step in expanding tertiary access while reaffirming TEC’s commitment to quality, relevance, and accreditation.

Construction will be carried out by United Construction and Engineering Services. Director of Physical Plant Services, Santigie Sesay, said work is scheduled to begin in March 2026 and conclude by August 2026, at an estimated cost of NLe 6,350,124.

International partners also pledged support. Prof. Lina Moses of Tulane University highlighted her institution’s long history in infectious disease research and clinical care and expressed eagerness to expand collaboration with Njala University in areas such as infectious diseases, microbiology, and biomedical engineering.

On the legal and regulatory front, Director of Higher Education at MTHE, Emmanuel J. Momoh Esq., explained that statutory instruments under the Universities Act of 2021 have been submitted to Parliament for the required 21-day consideration period. He added that the process will continue with TEC assessment and ministry review following the parliamentary recess.

Students also welcomed the announcement. President of the Students’ Union at Njala University’s Bo Campus, Dassay Musa Senesie, described the medical school as a long-awaited solution to a persistent need, noting that the initiative demonstrates leadership’s commitment to students and national development.

The new medical school at Njala University is expected to expand local capacity for medical education, support regional health services, and contribute to long-term efforts to improve healthcare delivery across Sierra Leone.