By Thaimu T Kamara

CM Sengeh, other Gov. Ministers, DVC FBC and the UN Rep…

Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, representing President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, has called on students and young innovators to embrace technology, innovation and patriotism as key drivers of Sierra Leone’s future during the official commissioning of the UniPod Sierra Leone at Fourah Bay College (FBC), University of Sierra Leone, on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

The commissioning ceremony, held at the FBC campus on Mount Aureol, marked the official opening of the country’s first UniPod, an innovation hub established through a partnership between the Government of Sierra Leone, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under its timbuktoo initiative, and the University of Sierra Leone. The facility is designed to provide young innovators with modern tools, mentorship, incubation support and opportunities to transform creative ideas into sustainable businesses.  

The event attracted several high-profile dignitaries, including the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Mr. Conrad Sackey, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, the Minister of Youth Affairs, Mohamed Orman Bangura, senior government officials, development partners, university administrators, students, members of the diplomatic community and representatives of the media.

Delivering the President’s message, Dr. Sengeh described the commissioning of the UniPod as another milestone in the Government’s commitment to investing in education, technology and youth empowerment.

He said Sierra Leone’s future depends largely on the creativity, innovation and determination of its young people, adding that the establishment of the innovation hub demonstrates the Government’s confidence in the country’s next generation of entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers and digital innovators.

The Chief Minister urged students to embrace patriotism and use their education and talents to contribute to national development.

According to him, patriotism is demonstrated not only through words but through actions that improve communities, create jobs and solve national challenges.

“Our country needs young people who believe in Sierra Leone and are prepared to use their knowledge and skills to make it a better place,” he said.

Dr. Sengeh encouraged students to see themselves as problem-solvers capable of developing innovative solutions in agriculture, education, healthcare, climate resilience and digital technology.

He emphasized that innovation should not be viewed as a luxury but as an essential tool for economic transformation and sustainable development.

Speaking on the growing importance of technology, the Chief Minister noted that the world is experiencing rapid digital transformation, making digital literacy and innovation indispensable for success.

He encouraged students to make productive use of the internet by acquiring knowledge, conducting research, building businesses and collaborating with global innovators rather than spending excessive time on unproductive online activities.

“The internet gives every student access to the world’s knowledge. What matters is how you choose to use it,” he told the audience.

Dr. Sengeh further encouraged young people to embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, software development and digital entrepreneurship, describing them as sectors that will shape Africa’s future economy.

He noted that Sierra Leone cannot afford to be left behind in the global digital revolution and urged universities to become centres of research, innovation and enterprise.

The Chief Minister also called on students to make responsible use of the newly commissioned UniPod facility.

He said the centre provides an opportunity for students to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions that can create employment and improve livelihoods.

“This facility belongs to you. Use it seriously, protect it and maximise the opportunities it offers because it has been established for your benefit and for the future of Sierra Leone,” he said.

He encouraged students to collaborate across disciplines, emphasizing that innovation thrives when people with different skills work together to solve real-world problems.

According to Dr. Sengeh, universities should move beyond producing graduates to producing innovators, entrepreneurs and creators capable of competing in the global economy.

He praised President Bio’s continued investment in education, innovation and digital transformation, noting that the Government remains committed to creating opportunities that empower young people to realise their full potential.

The UniPod initiative supports the Government’s agenda on youth employment, digital transformation and human capital development by providing students with access to maker spaces, design studios, 3D printing equipment, incubation programmes and mentorship for startup businesses.

The innovation hub will also connect Sierra Leonean innovators with continental and global innovation ecosystems through the UNDP’s pan-African timbuktoo network, enabling young entrepreneurs to access technical support, investment opportunities and international partnerships.  

Several speakers at the ceremony commended the partnership between the Government, UNDP and the University of Sierra Leone, describing the UniPod as an important platform for nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship among young people.

Students who attended the event welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that the facility would provide practical opportunities to develop new technologies, launch businesses and address pressing national challenges through innovation.

The commissioning concluded with a tour of the facility, where guests viewed modern innovation laboratories, collaborative workspaces, prototyping equipment and exhibitions showcasing youth-led technological solutions.

The opening of the UniPod marks a significant step in Sierra Leone’s efforts to position higher education institutions as centres of innovation, research and entrepreneurship while equipping young people with the skills needed to compete in the rapidly evolving global digital economy.

 Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 13th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)