The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Ramatulai Wurie, has announced the commencement of the first academic term at the Kono University of Science and Technology in 2024. The admission process for students is already underway, marking a significant milestone in the development of tertiary education in Sierra Leone1.
Minister Wurie highlighted that the university, focused on science and technology, would offer twelve specialized academic courses. These courses were meticulously developed and examined by a committee of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) to align with the university’s designation and contribute to the government’s agenda of Human Capital Development, private sector employment, and district mining considerations1.
The construction of the university in Kono District was financed through a secured loan of $32 million from the Indian Exim Bank, supplemented by an additional $2 million from the government’s coffers1. A transition team, composed of experienced educators, including Sama Mondeh, Mrs. Kadijatu Bah, Alpha Jalloh, and Mr. Edward, was established to oversee the university’s development1.
Minister Wurie emphasized that the courses offered by the university were strategically chosen to align with national development goals. The courses include a BSc in Mining and Engineering, a BSc in Computer Science, BSc in Information Technology, BSc in Information Systems, BSc in Livestock and Management, BSc in Horticulture, BSc in Crop Production, BSc in Land Resource Management, and Diploma in Land Resource Management1.
Following a thorough examination by TEC, Minister Wurie confirmed the selection of ten courses to be offered initially. Lecturers from various universities, including Ernest Bai Koroma University, as well as retired lecturers and professors from the sub-region, have been incorporated into the faculty
The Kono University of Science and Technology, a project that has been in development for over twelve years, faced challenges during previous administrations but has now become a reality under the leadership of President Bio’s government since 2018. AJ/25/12/2023
