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The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has bid farewell to 11 Sierra Leonean students selected to pursue higher education at NIST University in India.
The ceremony was held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the Minister’s Conference Room, Sababu Building, New England, and was attended by MTHE officials, the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the High Commission of India, students, parents, and guardians.
Director of Higher Education, Emmanuel J. Momoh Esq. said the programme followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to expand educational opportunities for Sierra Leoneans in India.
He explained that although the initial arrangement provided for 50 students, 11 were selected for the current intake. He said MTHE negotiated a reduced study package costing approximately US$1,800, covering tuition, accommodation, feeding, and medical services.
Momoh clarified that the arrangement was negotiated by the Ministry with NIST University. He commended President Julius Maada Bio for investing in higher education and for creating the enabling environment through bilateral relationships with partners for Sierra Leoneans to broaden their horizons. He commended the Minister of Higher Education, Dr Haja Ramatulai Wurie, for her steadfastness and commitment in promoting technical and higher education.
He urged the students to work hard, respect Indian laws and culture, and return home with skills that would contribute to Sierra Leone’s development.
Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Neeraj Kumar Saini congratulated the students and highlighted India’s continued support for Sierra Leone’s education sector. He disclosed that India provides 50 fully funded ICCR scholarships annually to Sierra Leoneans and 86 fully funded training opportunities for government officials and professionals.
Saini also announced India’s support for the construction of a US$32 million Science and Technology University in Kono, which is 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. He said MTHE hopes to expand participation to 100–150 students in the coming years.
National Coordinator for NIST University in Sierra Leone, Dr Mohamed Sellu, said the 11 students had secured their visas following coordination among NIST, MTHE and the Indian High Commission. He said the students would study fields including Cyber Security, Data Science, Pharmacology, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration.
Sellu said he would accompany the students to India and ensure their proper handover to the university.
Student representative Lahai David Gbatekaka Jah thanked MTHE and the Government of India for the opportunity, 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 for the opportunity and pledged to use the knowledge and skills gained to contribute to Sierra Leone’s development.
