Sierra Leone's Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr Haja Ramatulai Wurie, has announced plans to integrate technology and responsible artificial intelligence across the country's higher education system. The announcement was made during the Civic Day USA Edition in New York. The Minister's presentation highlighted the Government's commitment to enhancing the quality of education through digital means. This move aims to improve access to learning materials and provide students with AI-assisted academic support.
The Higher Education Management Information System, developed with World Bank support, is a key component of this initiative. It includes a Learning Management System with AI capabilities, designed to support self-directed learning and provide students with access to educational resources. Lecturers will also be able to upload lecture notes and other materials through this platform. This development is expected to strengthen the digital skills of both lecturers and higher education institutions.
Minister Wurie emphasized the need for continuous strengthening of digital skills in the evolving technological landscape. She reaffirmed the Government's commitment to engaging with academic staff through dialogue and an open-door approach to address concerns in the sector. This approach is aimed at fostering a collaborative environment for resolving issues affecting the tertiary education sector.
The Minister also addressed the issue of lecturers' remuneration, stating that the Government currently provides approximately 83 per cent of lecturers' salaries, while universities contribute about 17 per cent. In 2021, a 75 per cent salary increase was introduced and implemented over three years, followed by a further 15 per cent increase in 2025 for tertiary education employees. This information was provided to contextualize the existing salary structure for lecturers.
Minister Wurie acknowledged the calls for a further 100 per cent salary increase by academic staff. She stated that such demands should be addressed through established negotiations involving universities, the Government, and the Wages and Compensation Commission. This process aims to ensure that concerns are heard and addressed through structured dialogue.
The presentation by Minister Wurie combined the Government's digital transformation plans for higher education with an overview of the existing salary structure and the process for addressing lecturers' concerns. Her role as Minister of Technical and Higher Education is reflected in the current Cabinet listing, underscoring her position as a key figure in implementing these reforms.
The integration of AI and digital reforms in Sierra Leone's higher education system is a significant step towards modernizing the sector. With these changes, the Government aims to improve the quality of education and enhance the skills of both students and lecturers. The ongoing dialogue between the Government and academic staff is crucial for the successful implementation of these plans.
Key points
- The Government of Sierra Leone plans to expand the use of technology and responsible artificial intelligence across its higher education system.
- A Learning Management System with AI capabilities is being developed as part of the Higher Education Management Information System.
- The Government currently provides approximately 83 per cent of lecturers' salaries, with universities contributing about 17 per cent.
