DUBLIN, Ireland
The Embassy of The Republic of Sierra leone in Ireland has welcomed eight out of nine Sierra Leonean professionals selected for the 2026/2027 Ireland-Fellows Programme, marking the arrival of a new cohort of scholars who are set to undertake fully funded master’s degrees at Irish universities.
The scholars arrived at Dublin Airport on Monday morning and were formally received at a ceremonial reception at the Sierra Leone Embassy on 15 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, on August 31.
Their arrival represents the first cohort of Ireland-Fellows scholars from Sierra Leone to be received by the Embassy since it achieved full operational status in Dublin.
The 2026/2027 cohort consists of five women and four men, although the ninth scholar is expected to arrive at a later date. The fellows were selected from candidates nationwide and will spend a year pursuing master’s degrees in areas identified as important to Sierra Leone’s development priorities.
Their fields of study include health, climate change, peace and development, global media and communication and law. The Embassy said the four areas are closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and with sectors in which Sierra Leone is seeking to strengthen professional capacity.
Ambassador urges scholars to represent Sierra Leone with distinction.
The reception was addressed by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Ireland, Justice Babatunde Edwards, who delivered a keynote message on behalf of President Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio.
Ambassador Edwards described the scholars’ selection as evidence of the government’s commitment to developing human capital and urged them to approach their studies with a strong sense of responsibility.
“Your sharp minds will be further refined in the top-tier universities you will join in the coming days,” Edwards told the scholars, stressing that their responsibilities extended beyond their individual academic ambitions.
The Ambassador reminded the fellows that they would be representing not only themselves and their families but also Sierra Leone during their time in Ireland.
He also placed emphasis on compliance with Irish law and encouraged the scholars to seek assistance from Embassy officials whenever necessary. He told them that the embassy would serve as their “home institution” in Ireland, according to the release.
Tamba Edward Juana, Head of Chancery, also congratulated the incoming fellows, highlighting the demanding selection process through which they had secured places on the programme.
Embassy officials subsequently briefed the scholars on practical aspects of life in Ireland, including Irish culture, weather and academic expectations. Outgoing fellows who have already studied at Irish universities also shared experiences and advice with the new arrivals.
Scholars pledged to build on predecessors’ success.
Speaking on behalf of the incoming cohort, Abdul Aziz Bah acknowledged the competitiveness of the selection process and said the new fellows were determined to make the most of the opportunity.
“As others have achieved success before us, we will continue their legacy and endeavor to do even better,” Bah said.
He expressed gratitude for the support offered by embassy officials and pledged that the scholars would work to represent Sierra Leone positively during their studies.
“We arrive with high hopes and aspirations,” he said, adding that the group was determined to “represent Sierra Leone with distinction.”
Education programme strengthens bilateral ties.
The Ireland-Fellows Programme has become an important component of educational cooperation between Sierra Leone and Ireland, providing Sierra Leonean professionals with opportunities to pursue postgraduate education in Ireland.
The Embassy expressed its sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Ireland for their continued friendship, generosity and support for Sierra Leone’s human-capital development. The Embassy noted that the Ireland-Fellows Programme is a tangible reflection of the strong and enduring ties between the two countries, while providing Sierra Leonean professionals with access to world-class education and opportunities to contribute to national development.
The Embassy described the programme as a cornerstone of the two countries’ bilateral relationship and as an investment in the development of Sierra Leone’s emerging professional leadership.
The 2026/2027 scholars are expected to begin their respective academic programmes at Irish universities in the coming days.
The reception concluded with ceremonial photographs and the sharing of traditional Sierra Leonean refreshments. The occasion reflected the considerable effort of Ambassador Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards and the Embassy team in ensuring that the incoming scholars received a warm and dignified welcome as they commenced their academic journey in Ireland. From their arrival at Dublin Airport to the reception at the Embassy, the Ambassador and his team took deliberate steps to ensure that the scholars felt welcomed, supported and at home. Their efforts underscored the Embassy’s commitment to the welfare and success of Sierra Leonean citizens in Ireland.
The warm reception also reflected the conducive and welcoming environment provided by Ireland, for which the Embassy expressed its sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Ireland for their continued friendship, hospitality and support for Sierra Leonean scholars and professionals.
For the Sierra Leonean diplomatic mission in Ireland, the arrival of the new fellows also underscores the embassy’s role in supporting citizens pursuing educational and professional opportunities in the country.
From the Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dublin Ireland.
