By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The National Council for Technical and Vocational Education (NCTVE) has held its inaugural Council Meeting, marking a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s efforts to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and align skills development with the country’s economic transformation agenda.
Held on Thursday, 25 June 2026, at the NCTVE Conference Room on A.J. Momoh Street, Tower Hill, the meeting brought together the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, Deputy Minister, Permanent Secretary, Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, NCTVE Director, Council members and key stakeholders in the TVET sector.
Officially inaugurating the Council, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a modern, industry-driven TVET system capable of producing a skilled workforce to meet labour market demands. She said the NCTVE Act 2025 strengthens quality assurance, accreditation, certification, institutional accountability and aligns Sierra Leone’s TVET system with international best practices.
The Minister noted that one of the defining features of the new legislation is the stronger role assigned to the private sector in TVET governance. She explained that involving employers in curriculum development, workplace learning, assessment and standards setting will ensure that training remains relevant to industry needs.
Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie congratulated the newly appointed Chairperson, Madam Edleen B. Elba, describing her extensive private sector experience as a valuable asset that will strengthen the link between skills development and economic growth. She emphasized that President Julius Maada Bio’s Human Capital Development Agenda and the Big Five Game Changers depend on a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, job creation and national development.
Chairing the inaugural meeting, Edleen B. Elba expressed appreciation to President Julius Maada Bio for appointing her to lead the Council following parliamentary approval earlier this month. She also thanked the Minister for articulating a clear vision for strengthening TVET and said the discussions reflected a shared commitment to transforming technical education in Sierra Leone.
According to Edleen B. Elba, the Council believes that TVET must become the education of choice by ensuring every learner has a clear pathway to sustainable employment, opportunities for lifelong learning and the dignity that comes with mastering practical skills and contributing meaningfully to national development.
She outlined the Council’s priorities, including strengthening quality assurance, promoting innovation and digital transformation, expanding access and inclusion and deepening partnerships with industry to ensure TVET contributes significantly to youth employment and economic growth.
Edleen B. Elba also highlighted the importance of women’s representation in leadership, noting that only four of the 21 Council members are women. She commended the Ministry for entrusting the Council’s chairmanship to a woman and said greater female representation enriches decision-making and inspires more women to take leadership roles in education and national development.
Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, Dr. Josephus Brimah, described the inaugural meeting as a landmark achievement following the enactment of the NCTVE Act 2025. He said the establishment of the Council demonstrates the Government’s commitment to strengthening oversight, coordination and quality assurance across technical and vocational institutions.
The meeting concluded with Council members pledging to work collaboratively with Government, industry, development partners and other stakeholders over the next three years to build a modern, inclusive and respected TVET system capable of equipping Sierra Leoneans with the skills required to drive sustainable national development.
