On November 1, 2024, the West Africa Hub of The Education Collaborative held a milestone institutional engagement event at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology’s Sierra Leone campus. This gathering brought together five higher education institutions, including United Methodist University, Njala University, Milton Margai Technical University, Blue Crest College, and the host institution, Limkokwing University. Eight industry partners, including employers and regulatory bodies like the Life by Design Group and the Tertiary Education Commission, were present to learn about The Education Collaborative and the platforms created for collaboration and peer learning to enhance educational outcomes in the region. The presence of industry representatives, regulators, and higher education institutions at the event underscored the importance of aligning academic institutions with industry needs to improve student employability and workforce readiness.
Ms. Rita Dugbenu, the West Africa Hub’s Coordinator, highlighted the importance of collaboration over competition among higher education institutions to serve students better. Dr. Peter Bamkole, Chair of the West Africa Hub Strategic Committee and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University elaborated on the goals of the West Africa Hub and the various projects being undertaken by member institutions.
The discussions focused on various initiatives aimed at strengthening partnerships between academia and industry, addressing gaps in skills training, and enhancing the overall quality of higher education in Sierra Leone. Participants shared their experiences and insights on best practices during round-robin discussions and explored opportunities for collaborative projects that could benefit students, higher education institutions, and employers.
This engagement is part of the West Africa Hub’s broader mission to impact over 400,000 students across the region by improving educational systems and nurturing ethical leadership within higher education institutions. The event at Limkokwing University is a crucial step in engaging stakeholders in Sierra Leone to tap into the network, programs, and interventions provided by The Education Collaborative to support institutions on the continent for better student outcomes.
