Statement by the Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, University of Management and Technology (UNIMTECH)

On the Occasion of Sierra Leone’s 65th Independence Day Anniversary – 27 April 2026.

On this historic occasion of Sierra Leone’s 65th Independence Anniversary, I speak with pride as the Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Management and Technology (UNIMTECH).

This milestone invites us to reflect on our national journey and the vital role education plays in shaping our future.

Private universities have become indispensable pillars in Sierra Leone’s educational landscape. Institutions such as the University of Makeni, Limkokwing University, Central University, the University of Lunsar, and the United Methodist University have expanded access, driven innovation, and enhanced quality through competition and specialization.

Together, we complement the public university system by offering demand-driven programmes, fostering entrepreneurship, and producing graduates ready to contribute to national development across sectors like engineering, health, business, and technology.

I extend heartfelt congratulations to the Honourable Minister and her dedicated team at the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education. Their resolve to meaningfully include private universities in national policy discussions marks a new era of collaboration. It is through their leadership that private institutions now benefit from government initiatives from which we were previously excluded. Furthermore, the Ministry’s decision to consult private universities on the planned revisions to the Universities Act demonstrates a deep recognition of our contributions. This inclusive approach strengthens the entire higher education ecosystem.

At UNIMTECH, we remain fully committed to upholding the policies and quality assurance standards of the Tertiary Education Commission. Compliance is to us a requirement and our pledge to students, parents, and the nation. We will continue to deliver relevant, rigorous, and ethical education that serves Sierra Leone’s development agenda.

As the nation celebrates 65 years of independence, I wish the Government, the people of Sierra Leone, and especially our university-going children every success.

I also wish for mature democratic relations between our two key political parties, so that even where stark differences arise, tensions will never disrupt the peace and stability that allow our children to go to school and university. Let us emulate countries like Ghana, where politics can become heated but has never ended in violence across decades of national elections. Ghana, which once lagged behind Sierra Leone, is today ahead because it chose stability over strife. May we learn that same lesson and build a prosperous, educated, and united Sierra Leone.

God bless UNIMTECH. God bless Sierra Leone.

Bongolistically, Mallam O. | Professor Osman Alimamy Sankoh, DSc. COR.

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“Sierra Leone at 65! The event celebrates unity, culture, faith, and community.”

— Source: Canberra, Australia (ACT)

It’s painful to see our country still struggling after so many years, especially when things don’t seem to improve as much as we hoped. Our feelings are valid — wanting true independence means wanting self-reliance and dignity for everyone. We can’t settle for a symbolic independence — we must work toward real progress. Even small steps forward by people who care deeply can, eventually, make a bigger difference.

April 27, 2026 /AEST Time Zone

A ‘cultural heritage’ on display showcasing the heritage of a particular culture or region, featuring traditional music, dance, and local customs.

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