Sierra Leone Parliament Debates Bills to Overhaul Technical and Higher Education

Sierra Leone’s Parliament is currently debating two key bills aimed at significantly reforming the nation’s education system, specifically Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) and higher education.

During the deliberations, Members of Parliament (MPs) focused on two key pieces of legislation: the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education (CTVET) Bill and the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Bill. These bills are designed to overhaul Sierra Leone’s education system, ensuring that citizens are adequately prepared to thrive in a competitive global economy.

Both bills have been referred to the Legislative Committee in Parliament for further examination and review.

The CTVET Bill aims to establish a national council responsible for overseeing and accrediting technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions. The proposed framework places a strong emphasis on quality, accessibility, and industry-aligned curriculum to equip graduates with the practical skills necessary for success in the modern workforce.

Lawmakers underscored the critical role of TVET in addressing unemployment, particularly among youth, and advocated for increased funding to ensure equal access to training in underserved regions. The objective is to enhance technical education and empower young people with the skills needed to compete on a global scale, as articulated by Hon. Lamin during the session.

Conversely, the TEC Bill concentrates on enhancing higher education institutions by proposing enhancements in funding, governance, and accreditation. The bill also encourages collaboration between universities and the private sector to foster innovation and research.

Parliamentarians engaged in discussions regarding the necessity for tertiary institutions to adapt to emerging trends such as digital learning and research-based teaching. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding escalating tuition fees and the importance of student representation in critical decision-making processes.

“This legislation is pivotal in shaping the future of our education system,” remarked an opposition member. “It is about cultivating graduates who are well-prepared to confront the challenges of the 21st century.”