Central University, in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has graduated 200 students under the Ready Salone Project after they successfully completed six months of intensive training in Smart Agriculture and Graphic Design and Digital Content Creation.
The graduation and certification ceremony, held on Friday, 10 July 2026, at the university’s campus in Mile 91, brought together university administrators, government officials, development partners, faculty members, students, parents and invited guests to celebrate the achievements of the graduates.
The six-month programme forms part of the Ready Salone Project’s broader objective of equipping young Sierra Leoneans with practical, market-oriented skills that enhance employability, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Central University, Professor Bob Karankay Conteh, described the collaboration between the university and the International Trade Centre as an excellent example of how higher education institutions can bridge the gap between academic learning and practical workforce demands.
He said the university was proud to witness another group of young people graduating with industry-relevant skills, adding that the partnership continues to transform lives while reinforcing the institution’s commitment to delivering quality education.
Chairman of the ceremony and Registrar of Central University, Maligie Sesay, congratulated the graduates and urged them to uphold professionalism, integrity and innovation as they transition into employment and entrepreneurial ventures.
He commended the Ready Salone Project team for their dedication to the successful implementation of the initiative and introduced members of the project team alongside the university’s academic and administrative staff.
Representing the Ready Salone Project, Associate Programme Officer Jongmin Weon praised the determination and commitment demonstrated by the participants throughout the six-month training programme.
He also commended Central University for providing participants with practical knowledge and competencies that will enable them to compete effectively in the labour market.
According to him, the Ready Salone Project was established to promote economic growth by increasing the participation of young people in Sierra Leone’s digital economy through skills development, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Director of the Research Unit at Central University, Dr. Saidu Koroma, welcomed guests and congratulated the graduates on successfully completing the rigorous programme.
He described the graduation as another important milestone in the university’s commitment to providing practical education that addresses national development priorities.
Dr. Koroma noted that the graduates had acquired valuable competencies in Smart Agriculture Technology, Graphic Design, Digital Content Creation and Information and Communication Technology tools, which will prepare them for future employment and business opportunities.
Representing the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Marlon Bockarie-Konteh applauded the initiative for complementing Government efforts to tackle youth unemployment through technical and vocational skills development.
He encouraged the graduates to utilise the knowledge and skills they had acquired to create employment opportunities for themselves while contributing to national development.
Ready Salone Communication Specialist, Rebecca Sarah Jawara, also encouraged the graduates to make productive use of the skills they had gained during the programme.
She emphasised that the knowledge acquired would not only benefit the graduates personally but would also contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth and food security. She urged them to continue learning, remain innovative and serve as positive role models within their communities.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of agricultural produce harvested from the university’s Smart Agriculture Farm by the Dean of Technical Sciences and Engineering, Isaac Muckson Sesay.
The exhibition featured a variety of crops cultivated by students during the practical phase of the training, demonstrating the effectiveness of hands-on learning and modern agricultural techniques promoted under the programme.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Osman Mallan Kargbo expressed gratitude to the Ready Salone Project for providing practical training, mentorship and monthly stipends throughout the six-month programme.
He said the skills acquired would help participants build sustainable careers, while the financial support they received during the training encouraged many of them to remain committed until completion.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Zainab Sallay Koroma, expressed appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone for facilitating the implementation of the Ready Salone Project at Central University.
She also thanked the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for its generous support and partnership with the International Trade Centre in promoting youth skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation and economic opportunities across Sierra Leone.
Koroma further commended the management of Central University for providing the institutional leadership and support that ensured the successful implementation of the initiative.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to the 200 graduates amid applause from family members, university staff and invited guests, marking another significant milestone in the Ready Salone Project’s efforts to empower young Sierra Leoneans with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship and national development.
