The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has held a high-level consultative meeting with “Leh Wi Learn” at its conference room, Sababu Building, New England Ville.

The discussions focused on strengthening Teacher Training Institutions (TTIs) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs.

The meeting brought together MTHE’s Deputy Minister, Sarjoh Aziz Kamara, the Permanent Secretary, senior directors of the Ministry, a delegation from “Leh Wi Learn,” and its Ghanaian partner organization, T-TEL.

In his remarks, Deputy Minister Kamara underscored the Ministry’s central role in technical and higher education, teacher training, and curriculum development in support of Free Quality School Education. He highlighted ongoing reforms, including the revision of the Universities Act, the transformation of polytechnics and technical institutes, and steps to strengthen policy implementation. He emphasized collaboration with stakeholders, adoption of modern curriculum approaches, and the need for clear implementation timelines.

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Dr. Mohamed Barrie, Team Lead of “Leh Wi Learn,” stressed the importance of addressing gaps in teacher training and curriculum alignment. Drawing from Ghana’s experience, he proposed collaboration to strengthen TTIs and TVET, and the design of a new program to enhance teacher education and institutional capacity.

Sharing lessons from Ghana, Robin Todd, Executive Director of T-TEL, spoke on the transformation of teacher education through national teacher standards and a new curriculum framework. He pointed out that strong government leadership, neutral governance structures, and African-led partnerships are key to ensuring sustainability and avoiding donor-driven agendas.

MTHE’s Permanent Secretary, Mohamed Sheick Kargbo, highlighted challenges with untrained instructors in technical and vocational institutions and the urgent need for specialized teachers in technical schools. He called for improved coordination among ministries, the Teaching Service Commission, and school leadership programs, while urging Sierra Leone to learn from Ghana’s successful standardization model.

Providing context, Sia Fasuluku, Director of Planning, Research, and Development, explained that the prioritization of technical education by the current government led to the separation of the former Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology into two distinct ministries. This move, she noted, was driven by Sierra Leone’s youthful population and the need to develop skilled middle-level manpower. She outlined reforms under the Universities Act, including upgrading polytechnics to universities and merging some institutions.

The Ministry, she added, now supervises 13 universities and several agencies, including the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education (NCTVE), the Student Loan Scheme, and the Science and Technology Innovation Council. She further noted that six universities specialize in teacher training.

Emmanuel J. Momoh Esq., Director of Higher Education, reaffirmed the Ministry’s role in advancing the government’s education agenda. He cited progress under the TEC Act and the NCTVE Act, expansion of technical universities, and initiatives for early childhood education. He emphasized the importance of curriculum review and stakeholder collaboration, adding that MTHE stands ready to partner with programs like “Leh Wi Learn” to achieve national education goals.