AYV News, August 29, 2025
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah has signed a game-changing Memorandum of Understanding with Columbia University in the United States of America that is set to usher a new era in the country.
The signing officially unveiled by Columbia University, marking the beginning of huge steps in research and innovation in West Africa.
The signing of the landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information and Civic Education has marked the beginning of a new era of collaboration and empowerment in the region. This historic partnership, symbolised by the signing of the agreement by Dr. Thoai Ngo, Professor and Chair of the Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health (PopFam), and Hon. Chernor Bah, Minister of Information and Civic Education, represents a shared vision to improve health and development outcomes in Sierra Leone and West Africa.
Empowering the Next Generation:
At its core, this partnership is not just about addressing current health challenges but also about empowering the next generation of leaders. By investing in research and training, the two institutions aim to cultivate a new wave of experts who will drive health, equity, and sustainable development in Sierra Leone and beyond. As Minister Bah emphasised, “Sierra Leone’s greatest asset is its young people—and investing in their education is how we invest in our future.” With this partnership, the future looks bright for Sierra Leone’s youth, who will have access to world-class education and training, enabling them to shape their country’s future and make a meaningful impact in the region.
A Shared Vision for a Brighter Future: The partnership between Columbia University and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information and Civic Education will enable the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and resources, ultimately benefiting the people of Sierra Leone and the region By anchoring collaboration in Sierra Leone, the Department and the Ministry aim to generate evidence, strengthen local expertise, and shape policies that improve health and development outcomes. As Dr. Ngo noted, “Investing in research and training in Sierra Leone is not only vital for the country but also strategic for the region.” This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential for positive change in Sierra Leone and beyond.
Building a Center of Excellence:
The MOU signing ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between Columbia University and Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information and Civic Education. As Minister Bah highlighted, “By deepening educational and research partnerships with Columbia University, we’re building a center of excellence in West Africa—one that generates the evidence we need to drive health, equity, and sustainable development.” This partnership has the potential to make a lasting impact on the region, and its success will be a testament to the power of collaboration and the commitment to improving the lives of people in Sierra Leone and beyond.
The benefits accruing from the MoU stretch as far as offering training for government officials, heightening citizens awareness of civic duties and responsibilities and making the country a hub for others to learn from.
