Government Unveils AI, Digital Reform Plans for Higher Education System Across Sierra Leone
Sahid Bangura Minister of Technical and Higher Education Dr Haja Ramatulai Wurie has outlined plans to expand the use of technology and responsible artificial intelligence across Sierra Leone’s higher education system.
Wurie made the disclosure during the Civic Day USA Edition in New York, where she also addressed digital learning, lecturers’ remuneration and concerns surrounding industrial action in the tertiary education sector.
She said the Higher Education Management Information System, developed with World Bank support, includes a Learning Management System with AI capabilities.
According to the Minister, the platform is designed to give students access to learning materials, support self-directed learning and provide AI-assisted academic support. Lecturers will also be able to upload lecture notes and other educational resources.
Wurie stressed the need for lecturers and higher education institutions to continuously strengthen their digital skills as technology evolves.
She also reaffirmed the Government’s willingness to engage academic staff through dialogue and an open-door approach when addressing concerns in the sector.
On remuneration, Wurie said Government currently provides approximately 83 per cent of lecturers’ salaries, while universities contribute about 17 per cent.
She referenced a 75 per cent salary increase introduced in 2021 and implemented over three years, followed by a further 15 per cent increase in 2025 for tertiary education employees.
Addressing calls by academic staff for a further 100 per cent salary increase, the Minister said such demands should continue to be addressed through established negotiations involving universities, Government and the Wages and Compensation Commission.
Wurie’s presentation combined the Government’s digital transformation plans for higher education with an account of the existing salary structure and the established process for addressing lecturers’ concerns. Her position as Minister of Technical and Higher Education is also reflected in the current Cabinet listing.