By Ibrahim John Sesay
At a colourful and inspiring ceremony held on April 10, 2026, at City Hall in Freetown, the National Union of Sierra Leone Students (NUSS) honoured Rtd. Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, former ECOWAS Parliament Speaker, at the National 70 Most Influential Students Awards 2026, where he also delivered a thought-provoking keynote address that challenged young leaders to translate recognition into measurable national impact.
The prestigious event, which brought together students, lecturers, policymakers and development stakeholders from across Sierra Leone, celebrated 70 exceptional students from universities nationwide who have distinguished themselves in academics, leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship. Held under the theme: “Celebrating Academic Excellence, Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” the ceremony reinforced the critical role of young people in shaping the country’s future through knowledge, creativity and responsible leadership.
In his keynote address, Rtd. Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis described the awards as a defining national moment that should come with greater responsibility for the honourees. He urged the students to look beyond applause and titles and instead focus on the value they can create within their communities and the nation at large. According to him, true leadership is never measured by rhetoric, but by service, impact and the ability to solve real societal problems. He encouraged the awardees to continue learning, loving, sharing and engaging in volunteerism that directly improves the lives of others, while constantly reflecting on the systems they can transform for national progress.
Rtd. Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis further highlighted his longstanding commitment to education, disclosing that since 2022, he and his wife, Nabeela Tunis, have committed 10 billion old Leones over a five-year period through the One Love Salone Foundation to support scholarship opportunities for less privileged students across Sierra Leone. He noted that the initiative is already changing lives by expanding access to higher education and helping deserving young people realize their academic ambitions.
Reflecting on his public service journey, he stated that for over 19 years, he has remained dedicated to youth and women empowerment through interventions in education, health, agriculture and entrepreneurship, contributions that have earned him several recognitions, including a Lifetime Achievement Award for Peace and Democracy.
He also commended the leadership of NUSS, particularly its President, Fiona Ngima, whom he praised as the first female democratically elected President of the National Union of Sierra Leone Students. He described her leadership as a symbol of progress, courage and inclusivity in student governance, noting that her tenure reflects a positive shift in youth leadership and representation.
In her remarks, Fiona Ngima said the awards were designed not merely to celebrate academic excellence, but to spotlight leadership, creativity, innovation and community service among students who continue to make meaningful contributions to national development. She stressed that influence should never be mistaken for position but rather understood through the positive impact one makes in society. She further revealed plans by NUSS to launch the Union’s constitution, introduce a digital application known as UniCollect to integrate grading systems and improve access to information for university students and roll out a NUSS Magazine that will highlight female leadership and document student contributions nationwide.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of Education at the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, Emmanuel J. Momoh Esq., applauded NUSS for organizing what he described as a historic and transformative initiative. He noted that the awards represent a celebration of intellect, resilience and innovation among Sierra Leone’s youth, while encouraging the honourees to rise above mediocrity and position themselves as architects of progress and custodians of the nation’s future. He urged students to maximize digital tools and modern opportunities to accelerate both academic excellence and societal transformation.
The Director of Civic Education and Citizens’ Engagement at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, Timothy Sam, also called on students to embrace patriotism, civic responsibility and environmental consciousness. He encouraged them to take pride in Sierra Leone’s identity, culture and natural beauty, while serving as ambassadors of positive change in their institutions and communities. He further disclosed plans for future collaboration between the Ministry and NUSS through a proposed Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening civic education across tertiary institutions in the country.
In recognition of his unwavering dedication to student advancement and national development, Rtd. Hon. Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis was presented with an Award of Honor by the NUSS leadership. The citation praised his steadfast support, guidance and tireless commitment to shaping the success paths of students nationwide.
The event climaxed in a celebratory atmosphere as the 70 award recipients were honoured in the presence of their peers, lecturers, friends and family members. As the 2026 edition drew to a close, NUSS reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment where students can thrive as innovators, leaders and drivers of Sierra Leone’s development, further cementing the National 70 Most Influential Students Awards as one of its flagship initiatives for youth excellence.
