Dr Nahla Saeedi and Ambassador Sadiq Silla
In a notable development aimed at bolstering educational collaboration, His Excellency Ambassador Sadiq Silla held a constructive meeting with Professor Dr Nahla Saeedi, who serves as the Advisor to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar for Expatriate Affairs and is also the Head of the Center for the Development of Education and Foreign Students.
This important dialogue took place in Cairo and centred on creating expanded educational opportunities for Sierra Leonean students while strengthening the institutional ties between Sierra Leone and Egypt. During the meeting, Ambassador Silla highlighted the determination and commitment of Sierra Leonean students, many of whom undertake extensive travel—often through neighbouring countries—to reach Egypt in pursuit of higher education. He underscored the importance of including these students in scholarship programs, emphasizing Sierra Leone’s commitment to gender equality through a 30% quota for women across all educational categories.
The Ambassador expressed his gratitude for Al-Azhar’s existing support, especially regarding the proposed establishment of an affiliated institution in Sierra Leone, which he believes will play a crucial role in the country’s human capital development. He also commended Al-Azhar for its meaningful contributions to societal peace and security, notably through the training of imams.
In a formal request, Ambassador Silla presented a list of prospective students, which was compiled in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Students Union, seeking admission and scholarships at Al-Azhar University. He also proposed additional forms of support, including flight tickets for students, and requested the appointment of a liaison to facilitate communication between the university and Sierra Leonean students. Professor Dr. Nahla Saeedi responded positively to the Ambassador’s requests, acknowledging the respect and diligence exhibited by Sierra Leonean students. She assured him that the Sierra Leonean embassy would receive an acceptance letter by January 14, 2025.
To assist Sierra Leonean students, Dr. Ashraf was designated as the liaison, and it was noted that Sierra Leone currently has ten scholarship awards available, which have yet to be utilized. Dr. Saeedi encouraged the immediate nomination of candidates for these scholarships and outlined two pathways for study: scholarships and voluntary applications for Arabic studies.
The conversation also explored the possibility of additional scholarships through other institutions, reflecting a mutual interest in enhancing Sierra Leone’s human capital. Regarding the proposed affiliation with Al-Azhar, Dr. Saeedi expressed her willingness to sign the protocol in Cairo and sought clarification on the Sierra Leonean institution responsible for the agreement. She further suggested that the program could be elevated to a ministerial level, given its importance. Additionally, Dr. Saeedi proposed that Sierra Leonean students could follow a curriculum similar to those offered in Indonesia and Malaysia, with minimal tuition fees to support institutional development.
The discussion also included special programs designed for diplomats and business professionals, with Ambassador Silla requesting a detailed list of available courses and associated fees. The Ambassador committed to coordinating with relevant stakeholders, including the Council of Imams and the Egyptian Embassy in Sierra Leone, to ensure the effective implementation of the proposed educational initiatives. He expressed optimism regarding the potential of these collaborations to enhance the educational landscape in Sierra Leone and to foster stronger ties between the two nations. This meeting represents a pivotal moment in the educational partnership between Sierra Leone and Al-Azhar University, heralding new opportunities for students and contributing to the broader goals of educational development and cultural exchange. Both parties are dedicated to working closely together to achieve these objectives, paving the way for a brighter future for Sierra Leonean students in Egypt.
