The Minister of Technical and
Higher Education, Dr. Haja
Ramatulai Wurie, has addressed
the 11th Conference of the
Association of West African
Universities (AWAU), urging
academics and policymakers to
translate dialogue into tangible
action that strengthens research
across the region.
Held in Freetown under the theme "Research Culture: Bridging Innovation with Quality
Assurance in West Africa," the conference brought together scholars from across Africa
to present academic papers and share insights on advancing higher education.
In her opening address, Dr. Wurie welcomed delegates on behalf of the Government of
Sierra Leone and expressed appreciation to AWAU for convening what she described as
"a vital forum" for collaboration.
"We are particularly pleased that this year's conference is being hosted in Sierra Leone,
home to Fourah Bay College, the historic foundation of learning in West Africa," she said.
"Your presence here underscores the shared commitment we have to strengthen higher
education, foster innovation, and align research outputs with the developmental needs of
our nations."
Research Must Address Regional Challenges
The Minister noted that the conference theme resonates deeply with Sierra Leone's
priorities and the African Union's Agenda 2063. "Across West Africa, we are at a pivotal
moment: the demand for knowledge and innovation has never been greater," she stated.
"Our higher education institutions must rise to meet these challenges while ensuring that
the research we produce is rigorous, credible, and relevant."
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Drawing on her own experience as a researcher, Dr. Wurie emphasised that building a
robust research culture requires more than rhetoric. "It requires deliberate policy
frameworks, sustained investment, capable institutions, and effective governance. For too
long, African research has been fragmented, under-resourced, and overly dependent on
external validation."
She added: "These experiences have deepened my conviction that strengthening national
research ecosystems is not optional but essential."
Sierra Leone's Reform Agenda
The Minister outlined strategic reforms being implemented by her Ministry to strengthen
Sierra Leone's Science, Technology and Innovation ecosystem. With technical support
from UNESCO, the country has developed a National STI Policy and an Open Science
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Policy Framework to guide research governance, data management, and knowledge
sharing.
"We have also revived and strengthened the national Science, Technology and Innovation
Council to provide clear oversight and coordination across the research landscape," Dr.
Wurie announced.
She revealed that Sierra Leone will work with UNESCO and FCDO to develop a National
Research and Innovation Policy, informed by a comprehensive needs assessment. "This
will ensure higher education institutions can better position themselves to respond to
national development priorities—making research needs-based, problem-driven, and
economically relevant."
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From Knowledge to Solutions
The Minister highlighted the importance of commercialising research outputs.
"Knowledge must translate into solutions that create jobs, stimulate industry, and support
sustainable economic transformation," she said. "We are building stronger university
industry linkages, innovation pipelines, and frameworks for knowledge transfer that can
drive industrialisation in Sierra Leone and across the region."
On digital infrastructure, Dr. Wurie announced progress on the Sierra Leone Research and
Education Network (SLREN), which will enhance high-speed connectivity and facilitate
collaborative research. "This network is an essential tool for equitable partnerships—
ensuring that institutions of all sizes and regions can contribute to and benefit from
shared resources."
Call to Action
Commending the conference's diverse programme, which includes sessions on
indigenous knowledge systems, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and research
capacity building, the Minister urged participants to ensure their deliberations yield
concrete results.
"Conferences must do more than inspire; they must catalyse results," she stressed. "I urge
participants to deepen inter-university collaboration, strengthen mentorship for emerging
researchers, foster ethical AI practices, and reinforce regional quality assurance
frameworks."
She called for intentional efforts to build sustainable research ecosystems through
stronger funding mechanisms and closer partnerships between academia, government,
and industry.
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A Vision for the Future
"Sierra Leone remains committed to working with AWAU and sister institutions across
West Africa to advance a coherent, forward-looking, and impact-driven higher education
agenda," Dr. Wurie affirmed.
"I hope the outcomes of this 11th Conference will strengthen research culture, elevate
innovation, promote sustainable practices, and reinforce quality assurance across West
Africa, leaving a lasting impact on our institutions and communities."
The conference continues in Freetown, bringing together academics and policymakers