AYV News, July 13, 2026
The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparent, merit-based access to international scholarship opportunities during the National Study Abroad Summit 2026 held at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown.
Organised by Scholarly Path under the theme, “Connecting Sierra Leone’s Brightest Minds to Global Education and Scholarship Opportunities,” the summit brought together government officials, development partners, scholarship providers, university leaders, students and alumni to discuss pathways for Sierra Leoneans to pursue higher education abroad.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, said the Government remains committed to investing in human capital by expanding access to quality tertiary education both at home and overseas.
She described the summit as a timely initiative that aligns with the Government’s education agenda and commended Scholarly Path for partnering with the Ministry to prepare young Sierra Leoneans for global academic opportunities.
Dr. Wurie emphasized that all scholarships facilitated through the Ministry are completely free, warning prospective applicants against individuals demanding money in exchange for scholarship opportunities.
“If anyone asks you for money in connection with Ministry-facilitated scholarships, that is not legitimate, and I encourage you to report it,” she stated.
The Minister explained that scholarship opportunities are received through official government channels, mainly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, before being publicly advertised through the Ministry and universities.
She noted that applications undergo a rigorous screening process based on eligibility criteria set by awarding countries, followed by interviews conducted by multi-stakeholder panels to ensure fairness, transparency and merit-based selection.
According to Dr. Wurie, while the Ministry nominates successful candidates, the final decision rests entirely with the awarding countries or institutions.
She also announced a new pre-departure orientation programme designed to prepare scholarship recipients by helping them understand the conditions and benefits of their awards before travelling.
Encouraging students to embrace international education, Dr. Wurie said studying abroad is about more than earning degrees.
“It is not just about where you study; it is about who you become,” she told participants, urging students to serve as ambassadors for Sierra Leone through integrity, leadership and academic excellence.
She added that international education equips students with global perspectives, cross-cultural competence and leadership skills that can contribute significantly to national development upon their return.
As part of the summit, Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh joined the Minister in a high-level panel discussion titled “From Global Classrooms to National Leadership: The Transformative Power of International Education.”
Sharing his journey from Sierra Leone to studies in Norway, Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Dr. Sengeh encouraged students to pursue scholarship opportunities with confidence and determination.
He stressed that academic excellence alone is not enough, highlighting the importance of leadership, volunteerism, sports and community service in securing admission to leading international universities.
“Study abroad is not about leaving Sierra Leone behind; it is about gaining knowledge and returning to contribute to your country,” he said.
The panel also discussed challenges students may face overseas, including cultural adjustment and discrimination, with Dr. Sengeh urging young people to remain resilient and focused on their goals.
Also speaking at the event, Orange Sierra Leone Chief Executive Officer Aicha Touré described international education as a life-changing experience, drawing on her academic journey from Mali to France and later the MIT Sloan Fellows MBA programme.
She said Orange Sierra Leone continues to empower young people through its Orange Digital Centres, which have trained more than 6,000 young Sierra Leoneans, including over 3,500 women, in digital skills.
Founder and Executive Director of Scholarly Path, Wantoe Teah Wantoe, described the summit as the start of a long-term national initiative to mentor Sierra Leonean students and connect them with world-class scholarship opportunities.
Meanwhile, National Union of Sierra Leone Students (NUSS) President Fiona Ngima described the summit as a landmark event for the country’s education sector, saying it reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to global education and strengthening student leadership.
The Ministry concluded by reaffirming President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to ensuring that every Sierra Leonean has access to quality education and opportunities to reach their full potential.
