Sierra Leone Ministry of Technical and Higher Education Strengthens Educational Ties with Russia Federation at St. Petersburg Dialogue

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St. Petersburg, Russia, 13 October 2026 Russia – Sierra Leone and Russia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening educational cooperation, with both countries exploring expanded scholarship opportunities, language training and institutional partnerships during the Second Russian-African Raw Materials Dialogue in St. Petersburg.

Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Mr Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara, held bilateral talks with Russian Deputy Minister Mr Konstantin Mogilevsky on the sidelines of the forum at the Saint Petersburg Mining University of Empress Catherine II from October 12 to 17, 2026.

Welcoming the Sierra Leonean delegation, Mogilevsky praised the longstanding educational relationship between the two countries and referenced a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two ministries in Moscow three years ago.

He informed the meeting that “six Sierra Leonean students had secured fully funded scholarships through Russia's Open Doors Scholarship Program for the current academic year to study at Russian universities through the Open Doors program,"* he said.

The Russian Minister noted that 151 Sierra Leonean students are currently studying in universities across the Russian Federation in various disciplines. He also said Russia is ready to increase scholarship opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.

Mr Sarjoh Aziz- Kamara conveyed greetings from President Julius Maada Bio and Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, who was unable to attend the event.

The deputy minister was accompanied by Sierra Leone's Ambassador to Russia, Mohamed Yongawo; Presidential Adviser and former Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba; Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone, Dr. Lawrence Sao Babawo; and Fourah Bay College lecturer, Dr. Solomon Augustine Tucker.

Speaking during the meeting, Mr Aziz-Kamara described education as the cornerstone of the relationship between Sierra Leone and Russia.

“The educational partnership remains a vital pillar of the enduring friendship between Sierra Leone and Russia," he said.

Mr Aziz-Kamara observed that educational cooperation between African countries and the former Soviet Union dates back to the 1960s and has produced generations of professionals across various fields including medicine, engineering, science, technology and agriculture.

He said education remains at the heart of Sierra Leone's development agenda under President Bio's Free Quality Education initiative and forms a key component of the country's drive toward achieving middle-income status by 2039.

According to Mr Aziz-Kamara, about 200 Sierra Leonean students are currently pursuing studies in the Russian Federation. He added that 25 Sierra Leoneans graduated from Russian universities this year, including 12 medical doctors.

Looking ahead, Mr Aziz-Kamara called for expanded cooperation in language training, technical and vocational education, scientific research, engineering, agriculture, medicine and digital technology.

He revealed that Sierra Leone is exploring the establishment of permanent Russian-language training centers to better prepare students for academic opportunities in Russia and strengthen cultural and educational exchange.

“Greater proficiency in Russian would enable our students to integrate more effectively into academic life, engage more confidently with their counterparts and participate more fully in research, innovation and professional development," he said.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Yongawo welcomed Russia's decision to reopen its embassy in Sierra Leone, describing it as a clear demonstration of the strong ties between the two countries.

He disclosed that Russian language studies have already commenced in Sierra Leone and that the Eastern Technical University is in discussions with the Center for Public Diplomacy to establish a Russian Language and cultural Center at its Kenema campus.

The ambassador also urged Russian authorities to collaborate with the embassy and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education in the selection process for the Open Doors Scholarship Program.

Former Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba supported the proposal and called for additional educational opportunities for Sierra Leoneans seeking postgraduate and specialist training in the Russian Federation.