Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has lauded teachers as the backbone of nation-building and reiterated the government’s long-term commitment to strengthening the country’s education sector. Delivering the keynote address at the 2025 Presidential National Best Teacher Awards at the University of Makeni on Saturday, October 4, Dr Jalloh described educators as central to shaping Sierra Leone’s future through their daily dedication to learners.
“Every Sierra Leonean, no matter their humble beginnings, can trace their journey back to a teacher,” he said. “Doctors, engineers, farmers, security personnel, business people, and leaders — we were all shaped by teachers. They are not just instructors of knowledge, they are nation builders.” The Vice President emphasised that teachers do more than deliver lessons: they instil hope, discipline and character during children’s formative years, setting the foundation for personal and national development.
At the ceremony, Dr Jalloh invited all educators in attendance to stand and receive applause in recognition of their work. “This is testimony to your immense contribution to state-building,” he told the audience, highlighting the crucial role teachers play in community life and the broader development agenda.
Pointing to government initiatives, the Vice President said education remains at the centre of President Julius Maada Bio’s development priorities. He outlined efforts to expand access to schooling, train and equip teachers, supply learning and teaching materials, and upgrade school infrastructure across the country. “We have expanded access, we continue to train and equip teachers, we provide learning and teaching materials, and we are improving school infrastructure. But learning can only take place when you have teachers,” he observed, explaining that President Bio established the Presidential National Best Teacher Award to symbolise and honour teachers’ value and contributions.
Dr Jalloh reassured teachers of ongoing, unwavering support from the government, characterising the administration’s commitment to education as “not only unmatched, it is unshakable.” He linked the priority placed on education to the values of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), noting that education has been a core belief of the party since its founding in 1951 and asserting that the government is prepared to dedicate resources to ensure every child, regardless of background, has access to schooling.
He closed with a rallying affirmation for the profession and the nation: “Long live our teachers, long live Sierra Leone, and long live our commitment to education. When you say education, you say SLPP.” The awards ceremony celebrated exemplary teachers and underscored the administration’s stated focus on building a stronger education system for future generations.
