By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has described teachers as the true architects of national development, praising their dedication and sacrifices in shaping the country’s human capital.
Speaking at the 2025 Presidential National Best Teacher Awards ceremony held at the University of Makeni on Saturday, October 4, 2025, Dr Juldeh Jalloh paid glowing tribute to teachers across Sierra Leone, calling them the “backbone of nation-building.”
“Every Sierra Leonean, no matter their humble beginnings, can trace their journey back to a teacher,” the Vice President said, to loud applause from the audience. “Doctors, engineers, farmers, security personnel, business people, and leaders, we were all shaped by teachers. They are not just instructors of knowledge; they are nation builders.”
He praised teachers for their vital role in shaping values, discipline, and character in the lives of young people, stressing that their work goes beyond the classroom. “Teachers instill hope, discipline, and character in the formative years of our children. They are the ones who give us the foundation to dream and achieve,” he said.
In a gesture of respect and recognition, Dr Jalloh asked all educators present at the ceremony to stand for a round of applause, describing the moment as a symbol of national gratitude. “This is testimony to your immense contribution to state-building,” he said.
The Vice President reaffirmed that education remains at the heart of President Julius Maada Bio’s New Direction Agenda, describing it as the government’s most powerful tool for national transformation.
He outlined key investments made by the government in the education sector, including teacher training, improved infrastructure, and the provision of learning materials. “We have expanded access, we continue to train and equip teachers, we provide learning and teaching materials, and we are improving school infrastructure. But learning can only take place when you have teachers,” he noted.
Dr Jalloh highlighted the importance of the Presidential National Best Teacher Award, describing it as a deliberate initiative by President Bio to celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of teachers nationwide. “This award symbolises your value and contribution to our society,” he said, commending the President for prioritising education as a pillar of development.
He reiterated the government’s unwavering support to teachers, assuring them that their welfare and professional growth remain top priorities. “Our commitment to education is not only unmatched, it is unshakable,” the Vice President said passionately. “Education has been a core belief of the Sierra Leone People’s Party since its founding in 1951, and we are committed to spending our last cent to ensure that every child, rich or poor, has the opportunity to go to school and secure a decent future.”
Dr Jalloh’s remarks were met with applause and appreciation from the hundreds of teachers, students, and education stakeholders gathered for the event. His speech underscored the government’s recognition of teachers as key partners in national progress and as drivers of sustainable development.
Closing his address, the Vice President expressed pride in Sierra Leone’s educators and renewed the government’s pledge to keep education at the centre of its policy agenda. “Long live our teachers, long live Sierra Leone, and long live our commitment to education,” he declared. “When you say education, you say SLPP.”
The 2025 Presidential National Best Teacher Awards brought together some of the country’s most dedicated educators, celebrating excellence and commitment in teaching, a testament to the growing national appreciation for the vital role teachers play in shaping Sierra Leone’s future.
