The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has officially sent off 33 Sierra Leonean students who have been awarded the prestigious Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship to pursue undergraduate, Master’s and Doctoral studies in Hungary. The farewell ceremony was held on September 5, 2025, at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Sababu Building, New England Ville and brought together senior Ministry officials, parents and the beneficiaries.
Student Secretary, George A. Dambo, disclosed that 50 candidates were nominated but only 33 were successfully awarded the scholarship after a rigorous process. He explained that the package covers tuition fees and includes monthly allowances to ease living expenses, while urging the students to budget prudently.
In her statement, the Director of Science and Technology, Madam Fatmata Kaiwa congratulated the scholars for excelling in a highly competitive process. She reminded them that they were travelling abroad as ambassadors of Sierra Leone and advised them to avoid political involvement or any conduct that could jeopardize their academic sojourn.
Similarly, the Director of Higher Education, Emmanuel J. Momoh Esq., emphasized the rarity of such an opportunity, noting that only 33 out of more than 50 nominees were selected. He encouraged the students to remain focused on their studies, conduct themselves with dignity and make their families, the Ministry and Sierra Leone proud.
Representing the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, the Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, Dr. Josephus Brimah, cautioned the students about the cultural and academic challenges they might face in Hungary. He advised them to respect the laws of their host country, uphold academic integrity, shun plagiarism and support one another throughout their studies.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, one of the recipients, Samuel Flo Mokuwa, who is set to pursue a Master’s in Pharmacy at the University of Pécs, expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity. He revealed that nearly 800 applications were submitted, but only 33 students were chosen, describing the achievement as life-changing. Samuel Flo Mokuwa pledged that they would not only raise the country’s flag high but also acquire world-class knowledge to contribute to Sierra Leone’s development, particularly in strengthening healthcare and pharmaceutical services.
The event ended on a note of optimism, with both parents and Ministry officials expressing confidence that the students will excel academically and return home to make meaningful contributions to national growth.
