By Jariatu S. Bangura
Members of Parliament have debated two key pieces of legislation—the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education (CTVET) Bill and the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) Bill—aimed at reforming Sierra Leone’s education system to better equip citizens for a competitive global economy.
Both bills have been committed to the Legislative Committee for further scrutiny.
The CTVET Bill seeks to establish a national council to oversee and accredit technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions. The proposed framework emphasizes quality, accessibility, and industry-aligned curriculum to provide graduates with practical skills needed for the modern workforce.
Lawmakers highlighted the importance of TVET in tackling unemployment, especially among youth, while calling for more funding to ensure equitable access to training in underserved areas. “The goal is to elevate technical education and equip our youth with skills that allow them to compete globally,” said Hon. Lamin during the session.
The TEC Bill, on the other hand, focuses on reforming higher education institutions. It proposes improvements in funding, governance, and accreditation while encouraging collaboration between universities and the private sector to enhance innovation and research.
Parliamentarians debated the need for tertiary institutions to adapt to trends like digital learning and research-based teaching while also addressing concerns over rising tuition costs and ensuring representation for students in key decision-making processes.
“This Act is about shaping the future of our education system,” said an opposition member. “It’s about producing graduates ready to face 21st-century challenges.”
