The World Bank has donated digital educational materials to three public universities in Sierra Leone, including the Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST), through the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE). This initiative aims to strengthen technology-driven teaching and learning in the country. The donation is part of efforts to transform Sierra Leone's higher education sector.
The digital learning materials are expected to expand digital and blended learning, improve access to educational and research resources, and strengthen teaching and research. Additionally, the initiative seeks to develop students' digital skills, which are essential in today's technology-driven world. By investing in digital education, the World Bank and MTHE hope to improve the quality of education in Sierra Leone.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Makeni Campus, Dr. Joseph Davies, received the materials on behalf of EBKUST Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Rev. Prof. Edwin J. J. Momoh. Dr. Davies expressed gratitude to the World Bank and MTHE for their support, describing the donation as a significant investment in knowledge, innovation, research, and digital transformation.
EBKUST was represented during the presentation by Dr. Joseph Davies, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Makeni Campus; Mr. Oscar O. Hughes, University Registrar; and Mr. Milton Mansaray, Director of ICT. The university reaffirmed its commitment to working with the World Bank, MTHE, and other partners to promote innovation and expand digital learning opportunities for students.
The intervention is part of broader efforts to integrate technology into tertiary education and provide students and academic staff with improved access to digital resources for teaching, learning, and research. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the quality of education in Sierra Leone, enabling students to acquire the skills needed to compete in the global economy.
EBKUST pledged to continue strengthening research and supporting efforts to build a more digitally empowered higher education system in Sierra Leone. The university assured its development partners that it would use the resources responsibly and strategically to improve teaching, learning, research, and technology-driven education.
The donation of digital learning materials to EBKUST and two other universities demonstrates the World Bank's commitment to supporting education in Sierra Leone. The initiative is a significant step towards achieving the country's goals in the education sector, and it is expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of students and academic staff.
Key points
- The World Bank's donation aims to strengthen technology-driven teaching and learning in Sierra Leone's higher education sector.
- The initiative seeks to develop students' digital skills and improve access to educational and research resources.
- EBKUST has pledged to use the resources responsibly and strategically to improve teaching, learning, research, and technology-driven education.
