Higher Education Ministry Flags Funding Gaps Ahead of 2027 Budget
The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education has flagged funding shortages, delayed institutional subventions and infrastructure needs as major challenges ahead of Sierra Leone’s 2027 budget.
The Ministry raised the concerns on Monday, September 21, 2026, during its strategic plan and budget presentation at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown as part of the government’s ongoing FY2027 budget process.
Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara said the Ministry remains focused on strengthening universities and expanding technical and vocational education, but noted that delays in university subventions and limited resources continue to affect institutions.
He said the Ministry is also planning to establish additional Government Technical Institutes and Community Technical Colleges while increasing investment in digital infrastructure, science and technology.
Director of Monitoring and Evaluation Christiana Samu highlighted progress in areas including the Students’ Loan Scheme, teacher training, curriculum reforms, apprenticeship programmes and digital systems, but said inadequate resources and infrastructure remain key constraints.
Senior Budget Officer Laima A.K. Dumbuya disclosed that 67 percent of the Ministry’s 2025 budget was absorbed, with financing gaps affecting projects including the Kono University of Science and Technology, the National Archives and Records Centre, and the planned transformation of Government Technical Institutes into Community Technical Colleges.
The Ministry also called for a stand-alone budget vote for the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education (NCTVE), which oversees technical and vocational institutions.
The September 21 engagement forms part of bilateral budget discussions running from September 21 to October 3 to refine ministries’ proposals and priorities for the 2027 expenditure framework.