AYV News, February 26, 2026
The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) has formalized a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Njala University at its Njala Campus, marking a significant step toward strengthening maritime education and national capacity development.
The signing ceremony, held at the University’s Secretariat Hall on February 24, 2026, drew senior uuniversity officials, representatives of the Students’ Union (SU) Government, officials of SLMA, members of the fourth estate, and other distinguished stakeholders.
The primary objective of the MOU is to formalize cooperation between Njala University and SLMA with a view to developing and promoting maritime education and training programmes within Njala University’s curriculum; ensuring that all maritime courses and qualifications offered by the university are endorsed and aligned with SLMA guidelines and Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) convention standards; and strengthening institutional and human capacity for effective maritime governance, research, and workforce development in Sierra Leone.
Prior to signing the MoU, Dr. Daniel B. Kaitibi, Executive Director, SLMA, who was also a guest of honor at the event, is quoted as saying: ‘’ Sierra Leone Maritime sector is a trend; there is more to it than meets the eye,’’ and furthered, “ there are over 600 vessels flying the Sierra Leone flag, and on board each vessel, we need people, we need students, but regrettably, we don’t have the institutions to give us these workers. The Marine sector is a place that needs to be looked into, and what better place to come than the NjalaUniversity?’
Professor Alhaji Bashiru M. Koroma, Vice Chancellor and Principal, Njala University, Njala campus, is quoted as remarking, ‘’Today is not just about signing a document. It is also about building a relationship, bringing together two institutions to share common values and purpose.’’ He furthered, ‘’Sierra Leone has enormous potentials in the marine sector, but potentials alone are not enough. We need trained professionals, strong research and practical collaborations to manage and develop our maritime space responsibly and sustainably.’’
The MoU will further enhance collaboration and cooperation in the areas of capacity development and training programmes for Seafarers, instructors and maritime professionals consistent with international standards, facilitating staff exchange and capacity enhancement through mentorship, workshops, and industry attachments, onboard training and Sea-Time placements, research and policy frameworks, feasibility study leading to the establishment of a School of Maritime Studies at Njala University, serving as Sierra Leone’s national hub for maritime education, training, and research, among others.
‘’This partnership is both natural and a necessity of life. Through this MoU, we are creating opportunities for students to gain hands-on experiences, internships, and exposure to the realities of the marine industry,’’ said Mr. Emmanuel J. Momoh, Director of Higher Education (DHE) Ministry of Technical and higher Education. ‘At the same time, he continues, ‘SLMA will benefit from research, innovation, and fresh ideas that the academic community has to offer.’’ This collaboration, he further expressed, aligns with national education priorities, citing that the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration plays a significant part in Sierra Leone’s economy.
The Student Union President of Njala University, NjalaCampus, Ahmed Bantoa Koroma, described the agreement as a significant step forward for the institution, stating:
“For the University to grow, we need initiatives like this. This MoU represents a forward-looking milestone in our history. May today’s signing lay the foundation for tomorrow’s success.”
SLMA was represented by Dr. Daniel B. Kaitibi, Executive Director as lead, Mr. Emmanuel Pius Richards, Director of Research and Maritime Education, Michael Katta, Legal Supervisor Mr. Raju Gidwani, Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers and Mr. Sahr Ngaujah, Public Relations Manager.
The Director of Research, Maritime Education and Training, Mr. Emmanuel Pius Richards, described the agreement as a major step forward, noting that the MoUmarks an important milestone in advancing efforts to develop a sustainable and globally competitive maritime workforce for Sierra Leone. ‘’I am confident that our collaboration will yield tangible results, and create everlasting impact on Sierra Leone’s maritime sector.’’
In closing, Dr. Kaitibi stated, ‘’there is a lot to be done in the Maritime sector, but let’s start with something. We are working with the International Maritime Organization to ensure students who come out of these programmes are certified to go onboard these vessels.’ We need to reignite the culture of getting Seafarers on vessels to reap the benefits of their hard work as was the case years back.
