The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), led by Minister Dr Haja Ramatulai Wurie, and representatives from the Indian High Commission visited traditional authorities in Kono District and conducted a thorough inspection of the Kono University of Science and Technology (KUST) project. The delegation, consisting of engineers, project officials, and university leadership, met with local chiefs and reviewed preparatory works to speed up the development process.
Dr Wurie described KUST as a top national priority, noting that her ministry has increased efforts to expedite the project since she took office in August 2023. She told chiefs and other stakeholders that improved coordination between the Sierra Leone and Indian governments has helped to clear bottlenecks that were previously causing delays. “We are working towards clear timelines and tangible results,” she said, adding that recent collaboration with the Indian High Commission has significantly accelerated processes.
Baisnab Charan Pradhan, India’s High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, expressed optimism about the current pace of activity. Although procedural requirements on both sides had previously slowed progress, recent high-level engagement has helped advance the project. According to Ambassador Pradhan, project documentation and procurement are nearing completion. He stated that contractor selection is expected soon and that construction could begin in the coming months, possibly before the peak of the rainy season.
“This project will play a critical role in developing technical manpower for Sierra Leone,” the High Commissioner stated, citing planned academic programmes in civil, mining, electrical, and computer science. He emphasised the university’s potential to transform technical education and support regional economic development.
During the site visit, Project Coordinator Monica Sellu Kamara provided a technical update, confirming that the KUST project is now in the procurement phase. International contractor advertisements are already underway, she said, and if timelines are followed, the initial phase of construction could be completed in months, paving the way for future campus development. Engineers on-site described current preparatory work and the next steps needed to begin full construction.
Professor Tamba Jamiru, Vice Chancellor of KUST, welcomed the ministerial and diplomatic engagement, stating that the timing of the visit was critical for addressing public concerns about delays and reassuring stakeholders about the university’s imminent development. He acknowledged Minister Wurie’s ongoing support since her appointment and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to providing high-quality science and engineering education.
Local leaders, led by P.C. Komba Kaimachainde IV of Gbense Chiefdom, expressed gratitude to the government and its international partners, urging continued momentum to make the university a reality. Chief Kaimachainde emphasised the importance of KUST for the Kono District, Sierra Leone, and the West African sub-region.
The delegation concluded their visit with a tour of the KUST campus, where officials and engineers answered questions and outlined timelines for procurement, contractor mobilisation, and construction start. Once completed, KUST is expected to be a major hub for science and engineering education, helping to develop skills, technical capacity, and national growth.
