By Thaimu T Kamara

The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has bade farewell to 11 Sierra Leonean students selected to pursue higher education at NIST University in India.

The students were farewelled on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the Minister’s Conference Room, Sababu Building, New England, in a ceremony attended by MTHE officials, the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Indian High Commission, students, parents and guardians.

Director of Higher Education, Emmanuel J. Momoh Esq., said the initiative followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at expanding educational opportunities for Sierra Leoneans in India.

He disclosed that while the initial programme was designed for 50 students, 11 were selected for the current intake. According to him, MTHE negotiated a reduced study package of about US$1,800 covering tuition, accommodation, feeding and medical services.

Momoh urged the students to work hard, respect Indian laws and culture, and return home equipped with skills that would contribute to Sierra Leone’s development.

He also commended President Julius Maada Bio for his investment in higher education and Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, for her commitment to promoting technical and higher education.

India’s Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Neeraj Kumar Saini, congratulated the students and highlighted India’s continued support for Sierra Leone’s education sector. He said India provides 50 fully funded ICCR scholarships annually to Sierra Leonean students, alongside 86 fully funded training opportunities for government officials and professionals.

Saini further announced India’s support for the construction of a US$32 million Science and Technology University in Kono, which is expected to create opportunities in engineering, mining and other science and technology fields.

Acting Director of Research and Planning, Idrissa Sannoh, clarified that the NIST programme is partially funded and does not provide additional allowances or annual travel support. He said MTHE hopes to increase participation to between 100 and 150 students in the coming years.

National Coordinator for NIST University in Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Sellu, said the students had secured their visas following coordination among NIST University, MTHE and the Indian High Commission. The beneficiaries will study disciplines including Cyber Security, Data Science, Pharmacology, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration.

Sellu said he would accompany the students to India and ensure their proper handover to the university.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Lahai David Gbatekaka Jah thanked MTHE and the Government of India for the opportunity, assuring them that the beneficiaries would remain disciplined, focused and committed to making Sierra Leone proud.

Two beneficiaries, Fatima Bomporoh-Bangura and Samuel Santigie Turay, also expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to use the knowledge and skills gained to contribute to national development.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 7th September 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)