A high-level delegation from Sierra Leone, led by the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, has engaged in a landmark visit to the Republic of Korea, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations in education and skills development.

The delegation, comprising senior officials and academics, was received by the Sierra Leone Embassy in Seoul ahead of their participation in the Saemaul Undong training programme at Yeungnam University.

The visit culminated in the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Yeungnam University and two Sierra Leonean institutions Milton Margai Technical University and Eastern Technical University paving the way for expanded academic cooperation.

The delegation is participating in a week long programme from April 20 to 25, featuring lectures, technical sessions, and study tours focused on Korea’s development model, particularly the Saemaul Undong initiative, innovation in technical education, and community led development.

Delivering a keynote address, Dr. Wurie conveyed greetings from President Julius Maada Bio and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritizing technical and higher education as a driver of national development.

She described the new partnership as a transformative shift toward skills based and innovation driven education.

“This collaboration is not just about cooperation it is about transforming how we educate, innovate, and prepare our young people for the future,” she stated.

Under the agreements, the institutions will collaborate on establishing Saemaul Studies departments, research and innovation centres, and academic exchange programmes aimed at building a globally competitive workforce.

Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Paul Sobba Massaquoi, described the development as a defining moment in the long standing relationship between the two countries.

He noted that Sierra Leonean students have studied at Yeungnam University since the 1970s, adding that the partnership now represents a broader institutional collaboration between governments and universities.

“This is a historic moment that reflects decades of engagement evolving into a comprehensive partnership,” he said.

President of Yeungnam University, Choi Oe-chool, described the occasion as a memorable milestone for both nations. He commended Ambassador Massaquoi for his commitment to strengthening ties and revealed that he had personally requested the Minister’s visit.

He also extended an invitation to stakeholders in Sierra Leone’s education sector to collaborate further with the university, while announcing plans for a major institutional anniversary next year and expressing hope for Sierra Leone’s participation.

Describing the engagement as unprecedented, President Choi expressed confidence in the partnership’s success, noting that the discussions would yield meaningful and lasting outcomes.

The initiative signals a shift from traditional scholarship based cooperation to a more strategic, long term partnership focused on institutional capacity building.

By integrating the principles of the Saemaul Undong movement diligence, self help, and cooperation Sierra Leone aims to strengthen its technical education sector and promote sustainable national development.

Michaella Bonnie, 

Information Attaché,