Sierra Leone Ambassador to Russia Mohamed Yongawo, on Wednesday, 7th August 2024, undertook a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Vice Rector for International Affairs at the People’s Friendship University RUDN, Ms. Marina Olegovna Rekets.

During the visit, Ambassador Yongawo expressed gratitude to the outgoing Vice Rector, Madam Efremova Larisa Ivanovna, for her contributions to promoting Sierra Leone and supporting students from same throughout her tenure. He remarked, “I am thankful to the entire RUDN University for accommodating my request for granting special allocation to Sierra Leonean students to study medicine at the University”

Ambassador Yongawo emphasized the enduring friendship between Russia and Sierra Leone, outlining how Russia, through its universities, has significantly contributed to the development of experts across various fields. He noted that RUDN University hosts the largest number of Sierra Leonean students in the Russian Federation, with a significant majority studying medicine.

The Sierra Leonean diplomat extended his thanks to the incoming Vice Rector, Madam Rekets, and her team for their support to Sierra Leonean students. He also made a passionate appeal for RUDN to develop academic exchange programs that would facilitate the movement of students and lecturers between Sierra Leone and Russia in various disciplines.

The Ambassador discussed the welfare of Sierra Leonean students at RUDN, covering aspects such as health, social and academic performance, among other issues.

He concluded by highlighting several distinguished Sierra Leoneans who were trained in the Soviet Union and Russia and have achieved notable success in their careers.

The Ambassador also noted the importance of collaboration in the area of Technical and vocational training.

Ms. Rekets expressed her appreciation to Ambassador Mohamed Yongawo and his staff for the visit, noting that he is the first head of mission in the Russian Federation to meet with her since she assumed her new role as Vice Rector of RUDN University.

She assured that she would review all recommendations with the university’s heads of departments and committed to collaborating with the Mission in Moscow to enhance RUDN’s cooperation with the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education in supporting Sierra Leonean students.