The Diamond Center College, Sierra Leone’s premier institution for professional training in the diamond industry, marked its 8th graduation ceremony on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at its campus on 29 Pass Kissy Street, Freetown.

The ceremony, which attracted notable dignitaries, celebrated the achievements of graduates from both Sierra Leone and abroad.

Among the two certified Rough Diamond Valuators honored were Senator Sylvain Patassé, Deputy Speaker of the Central African Republic, and Sierra Leonean consumer rights advocate, Mr. Edmond Abu Jr.

Their recognition highlights the college’s growing international appeal and its critical role in equipping professionals with hands-on expertise in rough diamond evaluation, sorting, cutting, and polishing.

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In his keynote address, Dr. Chris David Nze, Founder and Principal of Diamond Center College, reflected on the journey of the institution, tracing its origins back to 2001 following an encounter with former President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah during his studies in South Africa. He credited President Julius Maada Bio—himself a certified diamond valuator—for reigniting momentum for the college’s mission and advocating for the establishment of a national diamond cutting and polishing center.

Dr. Nze emphasized his long-term vision to train at least one diamond valuator from each chiefdom in Sierra Leone. He noted that in recent years, the college has expanded its reach beyond national borders, attracting students from countries including Nigeria, Sweden, Poland, and the United States. The curriculum, he explained, includes a mandatory two-week in-person training followed by a rigorous nine-month remote program.

Madam Temgbeh, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, hailed the college as a landmark institution for Sierra Leone and a rare gem in the West African subregion. She highlighted Sierra Leone’s current role as Chair of the African Mining Council and acknowledged the country’s leadership in geological expertise. Presenting a certificate to Senator Patassé, she commended the college’s contribution to professionalizing the mining sector.

Hon. Sahr Emerson Lamina, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Mines, lauded the government’s recent reforms, including the revision of the Mines and Minerals Act and the emphasis on community benefits in mining governance. He advocated for the college to expand its footprint to mining heartlands like Kono and Kenema, making specialized training more accessible to locals. Hon. Lamina presented a certificate to Mr. Edmond Abu Jr., noting his contributions to public advocacy and mining sector development.

Speaking at the event, Senator Patassé described the certification as a proud milestone in his career. Despite holding numerous qualifications and managing his own mining company, he said being recognized in Sierra Leone—a country famed for its diamond heritage—was deeply meaningful.

Mr. Edmond Abu expressed profound gratitude for the knowledge gained during the program, particularly its focus on identifying lab-grown versus natural diamonds. Although he studied a similar course in Belgium in 2005, he said this program equipped him with new, practical insights and further fueled his advocacy for a national diamond cutting and polishing facility.

The ceremony ended with a vote of thanks by the Chairman of the Diamond Brokers Union, who praised the institution’s impact on transforming the diamond trade landscape in Sierra Leone and beyond.