The College of Digital Excellence (CODE) has officially welcomed 350 new students into its academic community during its fourth matriculation ceremony, with Government officials and education leaders urging the new entrants to embrace innovation, discipline and integrity as they prepare for careers in the rapidly evolving digital sector.
The matriculation ceremony, held on Friday, 3 July 2026 at the Choithram International School auditorium along Hill Cut Road in Freetown, attracted Government representatives, education stakeholders, lecturers, parents and supporters who gathered to witness the formal admission of the students into the institution.
Delivering the keynote address, Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, congratulated the matriculants and encouraged them to approach their studies with determination, discipline and a strong work ethic. She reminded the students that lasting success is built through commitment and perseverance rather than shortcuts.
Reflecting on the institution’s growth, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr observed that the College of Digital Excellence has expanded significantly from its early years of enrolling only a small number of students to now admitting 350 matriculants. She described the achievement as a clear indication of the growing demand for digital and technology-focused education in Sierra Leone.
While acknowledging existing challenges, including limited internet access and employment opportunities, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr urged the students to remain resilient and committed to their goals.
She encouraged the new students to cultivate integrity, hard work and perseverance, stressing that those qualities would enable them to overcome obstacles and succeed both academically and professionally.
Highlighting the development priorities of the Freetown City Council, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr said the city continues to focus on climate action, heritage tourism, human capital development and the digital economy, which she described as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the municipality.
She noted that the council has embraced digital transformation by introducing electronic corporate systems and technology-driven public services, including the “Dorti Must Go” sanitation programme that allows residents to register with licensed waste collection providers using their mobile phones.
The Mayor further challenged the matriculants to use the knowledge they acquire at the College of Digital Excellence to become innovators, entrepreneurs and employers capable of contributing to national development.
Earlier, Director of the College of Digital Excellence, Niharika Agnani, described the ceremony as another important milestone in the institution’s efforts to equip young Sierra Leoneans with practical digital skills required in today’s technology-driven world.
According to Niharika Agnani, the college was established to prepare students for emerging opportunities in technology while complementing the broader educational vision of Choithram International School, which promotes innovation, critical thinking and globally competitive education.
She said the institution was founded on the belief that Sierra Leone’s young people possess the talent and potential to become leaders in the digital economy if provided with the right training and opportunities.
Encouraging the students to think beyond simply using technology, Niharika Agnani challenged them to become innovators who develop solutions capable of transforming communities and industries. She also advised them to remain committed to continuous learning, uphold ethical standards and build resilience throughout their academic journey.
Representing the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education, Deputy Accreditation Officer Komba Moiwo described the matriculation as the official beginning of an important educational journey.
Komba Moiwo encouraged the students to attend lectures consistently, participate actively in practical learning sessions and respect both their lecturers and institutional regulations. He also cautioned them against examination malpractice, drug abuse, violence and other behaviours that could jeopardize their academic future.
Drawing lessons from countries such as Malaysia and Singapore, Komba Moiwo noted that sustained investment in education, technology and innovation has been central to their economic transformation. He urged the students to maximize the opportunities available to them and contribute to Sierra Leone’s own development.
Speaking on behalf of the matriculants, Mohammed Bangura expressed appreciation for reaching the milestone despite the personal challenges he had encountered along the way.
He described his admission into the College of Digital Excellence as the beginning of a new chapter, acknowledging that the journey ahead would present challenges but expressing confidence in his determination to overcome them.
The ceremony concluded with the administration of the matriculation oath, officially admitting the 350 students into the College of Digital Excellence to begin their studies in digital technology and related disciplines.
