by Chernor M. Jalloh

Lecturer of Governance, Leadership & Development Studies,

IPAM – University of Sierra Leone

Introduction

Higher education holds the key to unlocking Sierra Leone’s potential, driving not only national development but also positioning the country as a regional leader in West Africa. As Sierra Leone works to overcome historical challenges and chart a new course forward, universities are poised to serve as powerful catalysts for change. Despite their immense potential to nurture human capital, spark innovation, and stimulate economic growth, the country’s higher education system is beset by persistent challenges. Chronic underfunding, outdated curricula, and poor teaching methods prevent Sierra Leone from fully harnessing the transformative power of education. While these challenges are not unique to Sierra Leone, the country is presented with a rare opportunity to align its higher education system with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By doing so, Sierra Leone can elevate its citizens and serve as a model of progress, not just for Africa, but for the global community.

Higher Education at Crossroads

Sierra Leone’s higher education institutions (HEIs) are at a pivotal juncture. While demand for tertiary education continues to grow, the system is constrained by severe funding shortages, outdated curricula, inadequate teaching practices, and a lack of professional development for lecturers. These issues have resulted in a significant disconnect between the education students receive and the skills required by the modern job market, particularly in emerging sectors like renewable energy and agribusiness.

Classrooms are still dominated by outdated, rote learning methods that offer little emphasis on critical thinking or practical application. Many lecturers, deprived of opportunities for professional growth, remain disconnected from the latest industry trends and educational innovations. This situation is compounded by inadequate access to modern teaching resources, leaving both educators and students disengaged from their fields of study. Marginalized students, especially those from rural areas, face additional barriers, including limited access to quality education and career preparation opportunities. As a result, graduates often emerge from university ill-prepared for the workforce, perpetuating a cycle of underachievement.

Addressing these challenges requires urgent reforms. Modernizing curricula, improving teaching methods, and investing in faculty development are essential to transforming Sierra Leone’s higher education system into a driver of innovation, equipping students with the skills necessary for sustainable economic growth.

 A Blueprint for Transformation

To address these challenges, a comprehensive overhaul of Sierra Leone’s higher education system is required, starting with curriculum reform. Many universities continue to teach subjects that no longer align with the needs of the modern economy. HEIs in Sierra Leone must redesign their course offerings to include fields such as environmental science, renewable energy, and information technology. Additionally, practical, hands-on experiences—through internships and community-based projects—should be integrated into the curriculum to ensure that students acquire relevant skills.

Building research capacity is another critical area of reform. Innovation is the foundation of sustainable development, and without robust research capabilities, Sierra Leone will struggle to tackle its most pressing challenges, from public health to environmental degradation. Increased funding for research is essential, as is fostering partnerships between universities, industries, and government agencies to facilitate knowledge transfer and collaborative problem-solving.

Applying Problem-Based Learning (PBL):

A Case Study on Waste Management in Freetown

One effective approach to curriculum modernization is Problem-Based Learning (PBL), an innovative method developed by Aalborg University in Denmark. In PBL, students work in groups to solve real-world problems directly related to their field of study, fostering critical thinking and collaborative learning. This interdisciplinary approach encourages students to tackle complex challenges, applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. A PBL project focused on waste management in Freetown serves as an ideal example of how Sierra Leone’s universities can integrate this method, equipping students with the skills to address pressing societal issues. Here’s how a course could be structured:

Problem Statement 

“Develop a sustainable, economically viable solution for managing waste in Freetown, considering the city’s rapid population growth, limited infrastructure, and environmental concerns.”

Steps for Students:

1. Research and Problem Identification: Students begin by researching Freetown’s current waste management practices, identifying key issues such as inadequate waste collection, landfill overuse, and limited recycling initiatives.
2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Teams collaborate with local government officials, waste management companies, and community groups to understand the socio-economic factors contributing to the waste management crisis.
3. Developing Solutions: Based on their findings, students propose innovative solutions such as waste-to-energy conversion, enhanced recycling programs, or community composting schemes.
4. Implementation Plan: Students design an implementation plan detailing the required resources, stakeholder roles, and potential environmental and economic impacts.
5. Presentation and Feedback: Finally, students present their solutions to a panel of city planners and environmental experts, receive feedback, and refine their proposals accordingly.

By adopting PBL and fostering industry collaboration, Sierra Leone’s HEIs can create curricula that not only equip students with academic knowledge but also enable them to apply their skills to address critical societal challenges.

A Call to Action

The time for reform is now. As the global community works toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, Sierra Leone has a unique opportunity to transform its higher education system. Aligning universities with the SDGs will not only prepare graduates to compete in the global economy but also equip them to address pressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. However, this transformation will neither be easy nor immediate. It will require the collective commitment of government, academia, industry, and civil society. Yet, with the right vision and necessary investment, Sierra Leone can develop a higher education system that serves as a powerful engine of national development, driving the country toward a brighter and more sustainable future.

In summary, Sierra Leone’s universities must embrace Transformative Learning by encouraging critical thinking, reflection, and active engagement with real-world issues. This approach will not only prepare students for the workforce but will also equip them to become agents of change in their communities. The future of Sierra Leone rests in the hands of its students, and by investing in their education today, we are securing the prosperity and sustainability of tomorrow.