AYV News, October 14, 2026
Sierra Leone and the Russian Federation have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening educational cooperation, with discussions focusing on expanded scholarship opportunities, Russian-language training and institutional partnerships.
The renewed commitment emerged during bilateral talks between Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Mr Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara, and Russian Deputy Minister Konstantin Mogilevsky on the sidelines of the Second Russian-African Raw Materials Dialogue at Saint Petersburg Mining University of Empress Catherine II.
The forum, which runs from October 12 to 17, 2026, provided an opportunity for both countries to review their longstanding educational relations and explore new areas of collaboration.
Welcoming the Sierra Leonean delegation, Mogilevskyhighlighted the existing partnership between the two countries, referencing a Memorandum of Understanding signed by their respective ministries in Moscow three years ago.
He disclosed that six Sierra Leonean students had secured fully funded scholarships through Russia’s Open Doors Scholarship Programme for the current academic year. He also revealed that 151 Sierra Leonean students are currently studying at universities across the Russian Federation in various disciplines, adding that Russia is prepared to expand scholarship opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.
In his response, Aziz-Kamara conveyed greetings from President Julius Maada Bio and the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr Haja RamatulaiWurie, who was unable to attend the meeting.
He described education as a cornerstone of the enduring relationship between Sierra Leone and Russia, noting that educational cooperation between African countries and the former Soviet Union dates back to the 1960s.
According to the deputy minister, the partnership has contributed to the training of generations of African professionals in medicine, engineering, science, technology, agriculture and other critical fields.
Aziz-Kamara further emphasised that education remains central to Sierra Leone’s development agenda under President Bio’s Free Quality Education initiative and the country’s ambition to attain middle-income status by 2039.
He disclosed that approximately 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, digital technology and language training.
He also revealed that Sierra Leone is exploring the establishment of permanent Russian-language training centres to prepare students for academic opportunities in Russia and deepen cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries.
Aziz-Kamara said improved proficiency in Russian would help Sierra Leonean students adapt more effectively to university life, engage with Russian counterparts and participate 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 the move as a demonstration of the growing ties between the two countries.
Yongawo disclosed that Russian-language studies have already commenced in Sierra Leone. He added that the Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone was in discussions with the Centre for Public Diplomacy to establish a Russian Language and Cultural Centre at the university’s Kenema campus.
The ambassador also urged Russian authorities to work closely with the Sierra Leonean Embassy and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education in selecting candidates for the Open Doors Scholarship Programme.
Former Foreign Minister and Presidential Adviser Timothy Musa Kabba endorsed the call for expanded educational cooperation, advocating additional opportunities for Sierra Leoneans seeking postgraduate studies and specialist training in the Russian Federation.
The Sierra Leonean delegation also included Ambassador Yongawo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone Dr Lawrence Sao Babawo, and Fourah Bay College lecturer Dr Solomon Augustine Tucker.
The discussions mark a renewed push to strengthen academic links between Sierra Leone and Russia, with scholarship expansion, language training and institutional partnerships identified as key areas for future collaboration.
