Sierra Leonean students in Morocco are facing financial difficulties due to unpaid stipends for the 2025/2026 academic year. The students issued a statement on Friday, expressing concern over the delay in receiving their stipends, which has made it difficult for them to cover accommodation, food, transportation, and academic expenses. They are seeking urgent action from the relevant authorities to resolve the issue.
The delay in stipend payments to Sierra Leonean students in Morocco has raised concerns, particularly given the documented stipend-disbursement process for Sierra Leonean scholarship students in Russia. The Sierra Leone Embassy in Moscow announced on September 8 that funds for the 2025/2026 academic year had been credited to its account, with payments scheduled to begin on September 11. However, the students in Morocco have not received their stipends, citing a lack of clarity on the payment schedule and administrative process.
The students in Morocco recognise that stipend payments may require coordination among government institutions and other bodies. However, they argue that the length of the delay warrants clarification and a resolution. They have appealed for the outstanding stipend to be paid and urged affected students to remain calm and use appropriate channels to raise their concerns.
Sierra Leone and Morocco have an established education partnership, with efforts to improve the country's use of Moroccan government scholarships. In February, the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education said officials from both countries were working to address application timelines, eligibility requirements, and coordination. The Sierra Leone Embassy in Rabat also recently hosted an event honoring Sierra Leonean students who graduated in Morocco during the 2025/2026 academic cycle.
The students' statement appealed for the government and relevant institutions to clarify the status of the unpaid 2025/2026 allowances and complete the disbursement to eligible students. They are seeking immediate action to resolve the issue, which has affected their ability to pursue their studies. The students are urging the authorities to provide a clear explanation for the delay and a timeline for the payment of their stipends.
The issue has sparked concerns among the students and the wider community, with many calling for urgent action to resolve the matter. The students are seeking support from the government and relevant institutions to ensure that they can continue their studies without financial difficulties. The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and the Sierra Leone Embassy in Morocco are expected to play a key role in resolving the issue.
The students' plight highlights the challenges faced by Sierra Leonean students studying abroad, particularly in accessing financial support. The government's response to the issue will be closely watched, as it seeks to address the concerns of its citizens studying abroad. The students are hopeful that a resolution will be reached soon, allowing them to focus on their studies.
Key points
- The delay in stipend payments has made it difficult for Sierra Leonean students in Morocco to cover living and academic expenses.
- The students are seeking clarity on the payment schedule and administrative process for stipend disbursement.
- The issue highlights the challenges faced by Sierra Leonean students studying abroad in accessing financial support.
