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The Sierra Leone Ambassador to Egypt His Excellency Ambassador Sadiq Silla engaged in a productive dialogue with Professor Dr. Nahla Saeedi, Advisor to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar for Expatriate Affairs and Head of the Center for the Development of Education and Foreign Students.
The meeting, held in Cairo, focused on expanding educational opportunities for Sierra Leonean students and strengthening institutional ties between the two nations.
Ambassador Silla emphasized the dedication of Sierra Leonean students, some of whom travel extensively, often through neighboring countries, to reach Egypt in pursuit of higher education. He advocated for their inclusion in scholarship programs, highlighting the country’s commitment to gender equality with a 30% quota for women in all educational categories. The Ambassador expressed gratitude for the existing support from Al-Azhar, particularly the proposed approval of an affiliated institution in Sierra Leone, which will significantly contribute to human capital development. He also applauded Al-Azhar for meaningful strides towards societal peace and security through the training of imams.
In a formal request, Ambassador Silla submitted a list of prospective students, compiled in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Students Union, seeking admission and scholarships at Al-Azhar University. He also proposed additional support, including flight tickets, and requested a liaison to facilitate communication between the students and the university.
Professor Dr. Nahla Saeedi responded positively, acknowledging the respect and diligence of Sierra Leonean students. She assured the Ambassador that an acceptance letter would be sent to the Sierra Leonean embassy by January 14, 2025. Dr. Ashraf was appointed as the liaison to assist Sierra Leonean students, and it was noted that Sierra Leone has ten scholarship awards available, which have yet to be utilized. Dr. Saeedi encouraged the immediate nomination of candidates and outlined two pathways for study: scholarships and voluntary applications for Arabic studies.
The discussion also touched on the potential for further scholarships through other institutions, reflecting the mutual interest in developing Sierra Leone’s human capital. Regarding the affiliation with Al-Azhar, Dr. Saeedi expressed her willingness to sign the protocol in Cairo and sought clarification on the Sierra Leonean institution responsible for the agreement. She suggested that the program could be elevated to a ministerial level, given its significance.
Dr. Saeedi proposed that Sierra Leonean students could follow a curriculum similar to those in Indonesia and Malaysia, with minimal tuition fees to support institutional development. Special programs for diplomats and business professionals were also discussed, with Ambassador Silla requesting a detailed list of courses and fees.
The Ambassador committed to coordinating with relevant parties, including the Council of Imams and the Egyptian Embassy in Sierra Leone, to ensure the smooth implementation of the proposed educational initiatives. He expressed optimism about the potential for these collaborations to enhance the educational landscape in Sierra Leone and foster stronger ties between the two countries.
This meeting marks a pivotal moment in the educational partnership between Sierra Leone and Al-Azhar University, promising new opportunities for students and contributing to the broader goal of educational development and cultural exchange. Both parties are committed to working closely to realize these objectives, paving the way for a brighter future for Sierra Leonean students in Egypt.
