The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has joined His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio to officially launch the Excellence Skills Academy at Freetown Polytechnic. The academy is a joint education initiative by China Railway Seventh Group Co. Ltd. (CRSG), Zhengzhou Railway Technician College, and Freetown Polytechnic.
The launch ceremony, held at the Freetown Polytechnic’s Jui campus, brought together senior government officials, development partners, and key stakeholders. Among those present were the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie; the Deputy Minister, Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara; the Permanent Secretary, Mohamed Sheick Kargbo; representatives of the partner institutions; and members of the academic community.
In his keynote address, President Bio expressed deep satisfaction with the launch of the academy, describing it as a practical and timely response to Sierra Leone’s need to equip young people with employable skills. He emphasised that education must go beyond certificates to focus on hands-on competencies that enable young people to secure jobs, start businesses, and create employment for others. Education, he noted, is a navigational tool that prepares individuals to function effectively in an increasingly complex world, reiterating his long-standing commitment to “fit-for-purpose education” that delivers tangible benefits to individuals, families, communities, and the nation.
The President explained that the initiative aligns strongly with his Human Capital Development Agenda and the Big Five Game Changers, which prioritise skills acquisition, discipline, innovation, and work readiness. Noting that more than 60 percent of Sierra Leone’s population is under the age of 35, he stressed that the country’s economic future depends on how well this generation is prepared for productive employment. He commended China Railway Seventh Group for choosing to train Sierra Leoneans locally rather than importing labour, describing the programme as a clear example of policy being translated into action.
Speaking on behalf of MTHE, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie described the launch as reform in action and a major milestone for both Freetown Polytechnic and the advancement of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Sierra Leone. She said the programme reflects government’s commitment to delivering structured, demand-driven training that responds directly to labour market needs. She emphasised that strong public–private partnerships remain central to the Ministry’s TVET reform agenda and to producing graduates with skills that meet industry standards.
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sierra Leone, H.E. Zhao Yong, hailed the academy as a landmark tri-partite cooperation and a new chapter in China–Sierra Leone educational relations. He described the initiative as a model for youth empowerment and skills cooperation, underscoring the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries. He noted that the programme aligns with the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and supports Sierra Leone’s development priorities under the Big Five Game Changers, expressing confidence that the academy would become a flagship project of bilateral cooperation.
Du Xinguo, General Manager of China Railway Seventh Group (Sierra Leone) Co. Ltd., said the launch marks an important milestone in the company’s 18-year presence in Sierra Leone and opens a new chapter in joint talent development. He reaffirmed CRSG’s commitment to localisation, skills transfer, and youth employment, noting that the programme supports both China–Africa cooperation frameworks and Sierra Leone’s national development agenda. He announced that the first cohort will comprise 40 trainees, with successful graduates to be offered employment by CRSG.
The Principal of Zhengzhou Railway Technician College, Wu Wei, said the partnership reflects the enduring friendship and practical cooperation between China and Sierra Leone. Drawing on the college’s nearly 50 years of experience in training high-skilled technical professionals, he stressed that skills development is critical to both individual success and national growth. He explained that the programme integrates institutional education, industry practice, and local needs, and pledged continued support through professional curricula and teaching resources.
In his remarks, the Principal of Freetown Polytechnic, Dr. Samba Moriba, described the occasion as historic, noting that it marked the first presidential visit to the institution since its establishment. He said the partnership with CRSG and Zhengzhou Railway Technician College demonstrates the Polytechnic’s commitment to industry-relevant, hands-on training. He added that the new facility at the Jui campus will strengthen the institution’s contribution to national development by producing skilled and employable graduates.
The ceremony concluded with President Dr. Julius Maada Bio officially unveiling the plaque and declaring the Excellence Skills Academy formally launched.