Freetown, February 21, 2026 (SLENA)- Government, through the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education on February 18, 2026 convened academics and policymakers for the 11th Conference of the Association of West African Universities (AWAU) at the Foreign Affairs Academy. The three-day gathering represents a pivotal moment for regional higher education collaboration under the theme “Research Culture: Bridging Innovation with Quality Assurance in West Africa.”
Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, officially welcomed delegates representing universities across the West African sub-region. Speaking on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, she invoked the nation’s distinguished educational heritage as home to Fourah Bay College, the region’s oldest tertiary institution.
“This conference transcends routine academic discourse,” Dr. Wurie asserted. “We are forging practical pathways to align research outcomes with West Africa’s development imperatives while maintaining rigorous quality standards.”
Addressing opening plenary sessions, the Minister articulated concrete strategies for strengthening regional research ecosystems. She emphasized that meaningful progress demands deliberate policy architecture, consistent investment, institutional capacity building, and robust governance mechanisms.
Sierra Leone has already positioned itself at the forefront of this transformation. Dr. Wurie highlighted completed milestones including the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy framework, the Open Science Policy architecture, and the revitalized STI Council now coordinating research coordination nationally.
Conference discussions explored mechanisms connecting university research with commercial applications and economic diversification. The Minister detailed ongoing initiatives strengthening university-industry partnerships, expanding the Sierra Leone Research and Education Network’s digital infrastructure, and creating pathways for research commercialization that generate employment opportunities.
“Knowledge without application remains incomplete,” Dr. Wurie observed. “Our institutions must produce graduates and research capable of driving sustainable economic transformation.”
Ministry officials acknowledged the local organizing committee comprising Vice-Chancellors and Principals whose dedication ensured seamless conference execution. Opening day proceedings established robust foundations for continued deliberations focused on elevating research standards, enhancing quality assurance mechanisms, and positioning West African universities as innovation engines.
The conference continues through February 20, featuring working sessions on quality assurance frameworks, collaborative research initiatives, and institutional partnerships strengthening higher education’s contribution to regional development.
Credit: Correspondent: Richard Williams, Ministry of Technical and Higher Education
