Former Minister of Education and current Adviser to the President, Alpha Osman Timbo, has announced the establishment of a new community college in his hometown of Sanda, Karene District.

Named the Sanda International Community College, the institution aims to provide affordable education and vocational training for students who have been unable to pursue higher education due to financial constraints or distance from urban centers.

In an exclusive interview with Politico on October 31, 2024, Timbo highlighted the urgent need for accessible education in rural areas, noting that many students who completed their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) or West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) were unable to continue their studies due to financial difficulties and limited local opportunities. “Many parents cannot afford to send their children to universities in larger cities, so this college brings opportunities closer to home,” Timbo stated.

The curriculum at Sanda International Community College is designed to address the specific needs of the local community. Courses offered include Agriculture, Business Management, and Entrepreneurship, equipping students with skills that are both practical and relevant to their communities. Notably, the college has already engaged students in hands-on training, such as carpentry, where they have produced chairs and desks for the institution. Agriculture students have also been actively involved in improving township infrastructure through practical projects, such as constructing drainage systems.

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“Some students want to enter fields like carpentry and civil engineering, and this college gives them the foundation to do so,” Timbo explained. “Those interested in agriculture will not only learn to cultivate crops but also gain skills in business management to help them turn farming into a profitable venture.”

The college will offer Certificate, Diploma, and Higher National Diploma (HND) qualifications, enabling graduates to enter the workforce directly. It will initially be affiliated with the National Council for Technical, Vocational and other Academic Awards (NCTA) as it builds its infrastructure and academic foundation. Qualified instructors willing to live and teach in the community are encouraged to apply, as Timbo emphasized the importance of attracting skilled teachers committed to the region’s development.

Students will attend the college at minimal cost, which will help support teacher salaries. Timbo urged educated locals to consider teaching at the college, saying, “This is an opportunity for indigenes to give back to their community.”

Sanda International Community College aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s “leave no one behind” vision, offering a path for rural students to achieve educational and economic progress.