3rd December, 2025
The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), in collaborate with the Commonwealth of Learning (CoL), has commenced a two-day workshop to develop a national micro-credential framework for Sierra Leone. The workshop opened on 3 December 2025 and is expected to conclude the following day with a validation session that would incorporate stakeholder feedback.
MTHE’s Permanent Secretary, Mohamed Sheick Kargbo, said the meeting is organised to design a national micro-credential system and welcomed participants on behalf of the Ministry and its partners. He reflected on past attitudes toward skills training, noting that many once undervalued technical and vocational education. He said the introduction of micro-credentials would help replace the old “qualified by experience” mindset with recognised certification.
Dr. Josephus Brimah, MTHE’s Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, explained that micro-credentials should be understood as small, stackable learning units that can stand alone or contribute toward larger qualifications. He urged participants to be fully engaged so the resulting framework would be nationally owned. He encouraged educators to explore international examples of micro-credentials and maintain a mindset of continuous learning.
The CEO of the Students’ Loan Scheme, Paul Amara, assured the Ministry of his institution’s support, noting that the framework is long overdue. He said micro-credentials would strengthen access to technical and higher education and align with the Loan Scheme’s plans to expand support for undergraduate and TVET students.
MTHE’s Deputy Minister, Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara, delivered the keynote address, stressing government’s commitment to skills development under the national agenda. He said micro-credentials would provide flexible pathways for young people to gain targeted, market-relevant skills, particularly in areas such as digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and renewable energy. He added that the initiative complements the National Qualifications Framework and supports national job-creation targets. He encouraged participants to contribute actively and consider how micro-credentials could be integrated into institutional programmes. He also emphasised the need to strengthen technical education across districts so young people can access training without leaving their communities.
Prof. Jane-Frances Agbu outlined the workshop objectives, which included building a shared understanding of micro-credentials, reviewing global developments, presenting survey findings, developing key components of a national framework, and identifying national priorities. She said the expected outcomes include agreement on definitions and scope, drafting key elements of the framework, establishing next steps for consultation and implementation, and strengthening national capacity.
Prof. Masibo Lumala presented an overview of the Commonwealth’s Micro-credentials Framework project, while Dr. Victor Massaquoi discussed Sierra Leone’s policy environment, skills needs, and readiness for adopting a national micro-credential system.