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The Association of West African Universities (AWAU) has officially concluded its 11th Annual Conference and 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at the Foreign Service Academy in Freetown.
The high-level gathering brought together vice-chancellors, policymakers, researchers, and development stakeholders under the theme: “Research Culture: Bridging Innovation with Quality Assurance in West Africa.” The conference focused on strengthening research ecosystems and harmonizing academic standards across the sub-region.
Formally closing the event, Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, urged universities across West Africa to reposition themselves as engines of innovation, regional integration, and sustainable development.
He described West Africa as standing at a critical juncture, facing democratic pressures, economic constraints, and declining external development financing. According to him, universities must rise to the occasion by strengthening research capacity, promoting critical thinking, and aligning academic programs with regional priorities.
Tracing the history of higher education in the region, the Vice President noted that universities once stood as strong centers of excellence but were weakened over time by political instability and limited state funding. Despite these setbacks, he commended institutions for maintaining academic standards through resilience and strategic partnerships.
He further called for deeper collaboration within the framework of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), including efforts to harmonize curricula, standardize tertiary education systems, and promote joint research initiatives. He reassured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to advancing higher education as a pillar of both national and regional development.
The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Haja Ramatulai Wurie, expressed appreciation to the Vice President for his continued support to the education sector and for honoring the conference with his presence.
She reaffirmed that under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, education remains central to Sierra Leone’s development strategy.
The Minister highlighted the achievements of the Free Quality School Education Programme (2018–2023), emphasizing that human capital development remains a cornerstone of the government’s 2023–2028 development agenda. She underscored the need to strengthen research capacity, enhance quality assurance mechanisms, promote knowledge exchange, and deepen continental collaboration to address regional challenges.
In his closing remarks, AWAU Secretary General, Wahab Egbewole, praised the Vice President’s address as substantive and thought-provoking. He described it as a clear call to action for African universities to adopt innovative, Africa-centered approaches to reforming higher education systems.
Prof. Egbewole also extended appreciation to the Minister, vice-chancellors, delegates, and stakeholders for their active participation before formally declaring the 11th Annual AWAU Conference closed.
The successful conclusion of the conference marks another milestone in West Africa’s collective efforts to strengthen research culture, promote academic excellence, and build a more integrated and competitive higher education system across the region.
