By Emma Black
In a heartfelt show of appreciation and advocacy, sixteen Sierra Leonean students studying in the Islamic Republic of Iran paid a courtesy visit this week to His Excellency Salamu Koroma, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Iran, at the embassy in Tehran.
The students, beneficiaries of academic scholarships facilitated through the Iranian Embassy in Freetown, are enrolled in some of Iran’s leading universities, they are pursuing studies in diverse disciplines, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, agricultural engineering, mining engineering, and international relations.
Representing the group, Hamad Tijan Bangura, a general medicine student, congratulated Ambassador Koroma on his recent appointment and expressed optimism about his leadership in strengthening Sierra Leone Iran educational and diplomatic ties. Bangura also praised the efforts of Dr. Sarjoh Aziz Kamara, deputy minister of higher and technical education, for his key role in securing the scholarship opportunities.
While expressing gratitude for the chance to study abroad, Bangura highlighted pressing challenges, including limited scholarship coverage, lack of health insurance, and the absence of a living stipend, we are not here for personal gain alone, he stated, we are here to gain knowledge that will ultimately benefit Sierra Leone. But the financial strain is real, and we are appealing to our government for additional support.
In his remarks, Ambassador Koroma warmly welcomed the students and commended their initiative in reaching out to the embassy; he emphasized the importance of registering with the embassy for legal and diplomatic protection. Addressing the students’ concerns, the ambassador acknowledged that the scholarship program was not formally processed through Sierra Leone’s government, which may explain the limited financial support, he pledged to engage the ministries of foreign affairs and higher education to seek sustainable ways to support the scholars.
this is the first time we’ve hosted such a significant number of Sierra Leonean students in Iran, ambassador Koroma noted, you are pioneers. Focus on your studies, embrace the technology and knowledge available here, and return home as catalysts for development.
Alhassan Jalloh, a fourth-year medical student at Tehran University, encouraged the newcomers to prioritize learning Persian, the primary language of instruction, to ease academic integration and success.
Isata Juldeh, head of the student group, expressed renewed confidence in the embassy’s support following the meeting. As a gesture of appreciation, she presented an award the group earned by winning a national cooking competition in Iran, dedicating it to Ambassador Koroma and his team.
We are committed to respecting the laws of this country and excelling in our studies, she said, we look to the embassy for continued guidance and support like a parent watching over us.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, May 9th, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
