Sierra Leone, Russia Explore Expanded Scholarships for Sierra Leoneans
Aminata Koroma The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education has held bilateral talks with Russian authorities to expand scholarship opportunities, strengthen language training and promote institutional partnerships between Sierra Leone and Russia.
The discussions took place during a meeting between Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara, and Russian Deputy Minister
Konstantin Mogilevsky on the sidelines of the Second Russian-African Raw Materials Dialogue at the Saint Petersburg Mining University of Empress Catherine II from October 12 to 17, 2026.
During the meeting, Mogilevsky reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to strengthening educational cooperation with Sierra Leone, referencing a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two countries’ education ministries in Moscow three years ago.
He disclosed that six Sierra Leonean students had secured fully funded scholarships through Russia’s Open Doors Scholarship Program for the current academic year, while 151 Sierra Leonean students are currently studying at universities across the Russian Federation.
Mogilevsky also expressed Russia’s readiness to increase scholarship opportunities for Sierra Leoneans seeking higher education in the country.
Responding, Aziz-Kamara described education as a cornerstone of the relationship between Sierra Leone and Russia, noting that cooperation between African countries and the former Soviet Union dates back to the 1960s and has produced professionals in medicine, engineering, science, technology and agriculture.
He said education remains central to Sierra Leone’s development agenda under President Julius Maada Bio’s Free Quality Education initiative and the country’s ambition to achieve middle-income status by 2039.
According to Aziz-Kamara, about 200 Sierra Leonean students are currently pursuing studies in Russia, while 25 Sierra Leoneans graduated from Russian universities this year, including 12 medical doctors.
The deputy minister called for broader cooperation in technical and vocational education, scientific research, engineering, agriculture, medicine and digital technology.
He also disclosed that Sierra Leone is exploring the establishment of permanent Russian-language training centres to prepare students for academic opportunities in Russia and strengthen cultural and educational exchanges.
Aziz-Kamara said improved Russian-language proficiency would help students integrate into academic life, communicate more confidently with their counterparts and participate more effectively in research, innovation and professional development.
Meanwhile, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Russia, Mohamed Yongawo, welcomed Russia’s decision to reopen its embassy in Sierra Leone, describing it as a demonstration of the strong bilateral relationship.
Yongawo disclosed that Russian-language studies have already commenced in Sierra Leone and that the Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone is in discussions with the Center for Public Diplomacy to establish a Russian Language and Cultural Center at its Kenema campus.
He also called on Russian authorities to work with the Sierra Leonean embassy and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education in selecting beneficiaries for the Open Doors Scholarship Program.
Former Foreign Minister and Presidential Adviser Timothy Musa Kabba supported the call for expanded educational opportunities, particularly for Sierra Leoneans seeking postgraduate studies and specialist training in Russia.
Aziz-Kamara conveyed greetings from President Bio and Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, who was unable to attend the event.
The Sierra Leonean delegation also included Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone, Dr. Lawrence Sao Babawo, and Fourah Bay College lecturer, Dr. Solomon Augustine Tucker.