In a significant move aimed at bolstering youth empowerment and self-reliance, the Ministry of Youth Affairs (MoYA) and the Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) formalized their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 10, 2025. The signing ceremony took place at the MMTU Great Hall located on the Goderich campus in Freetown and marked a pivotal step towards equipping young people with essential skills for income generation and job creation.
The MoU outlines a comprehensive strategy to provide training in 24 diverse courses that focus on entrepreneurship, mindset transformation, and skill development. The courses are designed to cater to the needs of the youth, emphasizing practical skills that can lead to job creation and self-employment. Among the six-month intensive training programs to be offered are Cyber Security, Coding, Plumbing, Carpentry, various facets of Agriculture, Hairdressing, Climate Change and Adaptation, Automobile Engineering, Animal Husbandry, Soap Making, Cooling System Engineering, and Baking and Confectionery.
During the ceremony, the Minister of Youth Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Sannoh, underscored the critical importance of this training initiative. He emphasized that the youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow but of today, and he expressed his optimism that the MoU would be executed within the established timeline. “At the end of this training, we expect the youth to create their jobs,” he stated, highlighting the initiative’s potential to foster self-reliance among young people.
Mr. Sajoh Aziz Kamara, the Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, echoed these sentiments, noting that the MoU aligns seamlessly with the ministry’s vision. He described the partnership as a bold and intentional move that reflects the government’s commitment to transforming MMTU from a Teacher Training College to a fully-fledged Technical University. The Deputy Minister also pointed out that the number of universities in the country has increased from six to twelve under the current administration, emphasizing the need for universities to embrace innovation and industrialization.
With approximately 70% of the population being youth, Kamara stressed the importance of tapping into their talents and potential. He remarked, “The need to harness the skills and abilities of our young people cannot be overstated,” reinforcing the urgency of the initiative.
Professor Philip John Kanu, the Vice Chancellor and Principal of MMTU, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, declaring the day a celebration of youth empowerment. He stated that the initiative is designed to ensure that no youth is left behind, particularly those who lack access to formal education. “We are committed to implementing this MoU to the letter,” he asserted, assuring that the courses would be tailored to meet the needs of all participants, including those without formal university qualifications.
The Permanent Secretary of MoYA, Mr. Morrison Gboyoh, also addressed the gathering, encouraging students to strive for academic excellence. He highlighted that this partnership is not the first of its kind, referencing previous collaborations with MMTU that successfully trained youths in Bricklaying and Masonry. Gboyoh expressed his confidence that this MoU would lead to transformative changes for youth across the nation.
Mr. Papa Njai, the Coordinator of Short Courses at MMTU, provided an overview of the various short courses and trainings organized by the university over the years, assuring attendees of the quality of education they could expect.
The event was marked by a vibrant atmosphere, featuring musical and comedic performances, a recitation of poetry, and the singing of the MMTU Song, all of which contributed to a sense of community and shared purpose among attendees. Mrs. Aminata Bangura, the Dean of the Brookfields campus, welcomed participants and reiterated the initiative’s goal of fostering positive perceptions among young minds.
In her vote of thanks, the Students’ Union President, Ms. Bintu Bangura, expressed her determination to seize this opportunity and contribute to the transformation of the country. The MoU between MoYA and MMTU represents a significant step forward in empowering youth and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in Sierra Leone.
