The National Council for Technical and Vocational Education (NCTVE) has set the tone for a major overhaul of Sierra Leone’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector following its inaugural Council Meeting held on June 25, 2026, at Tower Hill in Freetown.

The landmark session brought together top government officials and education stakeholders, including the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Deputy Minister, Permanent Secretary, Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, Director of TVET, Council members, and key actors within the skills development space.

At the heart of the discussions was a renewed push to align technical education with industry needs. Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr Haja Ramatulai Wurie, who officially inaugurated the Council, underscored the importance of placing the private sector at the centre of skills training to ensure graduates are equipped for the job market.

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She reiterated that the government, under President Julius Maada Bio, continues to prioritise human capital development as a driver of economic growth. According to her, the increasing demand for skilled labour across sectors such as agriculture, mining, infrastructure, energy, tourism, and technology makes TVET reform both urgent and necessary.

The Minister challenged the newly formed Council to uphold high standards of leadership, transparency, and accountability in building a dynamic and responsive TVET system capable of tackling unemployment and fostering innovation.

Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, Dr Josephus Brimah, described the meeting as a crucial follow-up to the NCTVE Act 2025, noting that the establishment of the Council strengthens oversight and coordination across technical institutions nationwide.

Meanwhile, Director of TVET, Elba, outlined a forward-looking roadmap focused on improving quality assurance, strengthening partnerships with industry, promoting digital innovation, and widening access to technical education.

She also emphasized the need for a mindset shift, urging stakeholders and the public to recognize TVET as a viable first-choice pathway to employment and entrepreneurship rather than a fallback option.

The inaugural Council meeting signals a decisive step toward repositioning the TVET sector as a key pillar in Sierra Leone’s economic transformation and workforce development strategy.