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The Deputy Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Sarjoh Aziz Kamara, delivered an impassioned address to newly enrolled students at the Nixon School of Nursing in Sgebwema on Friday, emphasizing the government’s dedication to advancing education and healthcare equity.
During the matriculation ceremony, Deputy Minister Kamara commended the leadership of Eastern Technical University, led by Professor Lahai, for their pivotal role in expanding access to quality education for residents of Njaluahun, Nja, and Kailahun District. “The efforts of Professor Lahia and his team align with our mission to ensure every Sierra Leonean enjoys their right to education,” he stated.
Minister Kamara urged faculty members to uphold the institution’s legacy as a center of excellence, calling on tutors to “rekindle the Nixon School’s past glory through unwavering commitment to academic rigor.” He also underscored the critical link between education and healthcare, stressing that universal health coverage can not be achieved without inclusive opportunities. “Nursing students here are at the forefront of this national mission,” he added, highlighting expanded career pathways in the health sector.
Outlining key government initiatives, the Deputy Minister revealed that President Julius Maada Bio’s administration is prioritizing science education and women’s empowerment. He cited the newly launched Student Loan Scheme and the Grant-in-Aid program, which exclusively supports women pursuing core scientific disciplines. “These programs are designed to strengthen our health sector and empower women as leaders in STEM fields,” Kamara explained.
In a significant update, he announced that the long-awaited Bunumbu College, currently under construction via the BADEA Project, is nearing completion. Once operational, the institution will expand higher education access for communities in Njaluahun, Nja, and across the Kailahun District.
Kamara further emphasized the government’s policy advancements, including the enactment of the Tertiary Education Act and the National Technical Vocational Education Act. “These frameworks address systemic challenges, create opportunities, and pave the way for sustainable development through education,” he said.
Closing his address, the Deputy Minister reiterated education’s role as a unifying force transcending political divides. “Under President Bio’s leadership, we have made strides in ensuring education is a universal right, not a privilege. The revitalization of our health and education sectors stands as a testament to this progress,” he declared.
The event concluded with calls for collective action to bolster Sierra Leone’s educational infrastructure, ensuring future generations are equipped to drive the nation’s development.
Why put these kids through these course if the government cannot afford to pay them after graduation? Some of those kids work for years after graduation at government hospitals without PIN (salary) code. ……and we wonder why the poor performance and corruption at the hospitals.