By Amara Alpha, Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MOICE
The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Haja Ramatulai Wurie, has highlighted major progress in the operationalisation of the Kono University of Science and Technology (KUST), while announcing a US$32 million plan for the construction of the University’s permanent campus.
Speaking at a civic engagement held at the Kono District Council Hall, Dr Wurie said the development of KUST forms part of the Government’s broader effort to strengthen higher education institutions critical to national development under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio.
She disclosed that KUST is now fully operational, with student enrolment underway and key administrative positions—including Vice Chancellor, Registrar, and Finance Director—successfully filled. Academic programmes, she noted, are progressing steadily, reflecting government’s commitment to expanding access to quality tertiary education.
Dr Wurie commended the Vice Chancellor and management of the University for proactive leadership, particularly in forging strategic partnerships to enhance academic capacity. She revealed that government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the China University of Science to strengthen collaboration in science and mining-related disciplines. Under the partnership, some lecturers have already travelled to China, with provisions for visiting faculty and technical support to KUST. Similar engagements are also ongoing with institutions in South Africa and other countries.
On infrastructure, the Minister announced that the construction of the permanent campus—valued at US$32 million—has made significant progress, with all required documentation completed. She emphasised that the university’s development is not only an educational milestone but also a major economic catalyst for Kono District.
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Earlier, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor A. Bah, said the engagement was part of government’s wider civic outreach to deepen public understanding of national programmes and promote inclusive participation in development.
Dr Wurie concluded that with sustained commitment and strong partnerships, Kono University of Science and Technology is poised to become a pillar of technical and scientific excellence in Sierra Leone.
