Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh has reflected on the significant challenges faced by Africans, specifically Sierra Leoneans, in accessing education during the 1990s.

Sengeh recounted his own experiences as a student during that era, expressing his disbelief that an African, particularly a Sierra Leonean under the age of 40, could attain a PhD. He attributed this skepticism to several factors prevalent at the time.

Firstly, Sengeh highlighted the inequitable distribution of scholarships, which were often awarded to individuals with strong connections, rather than based on merit. Additionally, there were no age requirements for admission, further complicating access for younger students.

Financial constraints were another major hurdle, with many students relying entirely on their families to cover educational expenses—a burden that many families could not afford. Sengeh also criticized the negative attitude of teachers, who he said often discouraged students by focusing on their shortcomings rather than motivating them. “Teachers never saw the good in a pupil,” he remarked, “they were often the first to decide a student’s future with remarks like ‘you’re too foolish, your head is blocked.'”

Peer pressure exacerbated these challenges, as the lack of basic amenities such as housing and clothing led students to seek out peers whose families could provide these necessities. This often diverted their focus away from their studies.

However, Sengeh noted that this narrative began to change in the 2000s under President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah’s administration, as education became more accessible.

“Today, I am proud to introduce this gentleman called David Moinina Sengeh – PhD. Moinina David Sengeh and others, below the ages of 40, have bagged prestigious degrees to their family names,” he stated.

He encouraged people to embrace current technological advancements, shed their pride, and return to school, emphasizing that age should not be a barrier. “With education, the world will be in our palm,” he concluded.