Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has commenced regional stakeholder consultative workshops, starting with the Eastern Region, to review and refine a draft Competency-Based Industrial Plumbing Curriculum aligned with the Sierra Leone National Qualifications Framework (SL-NQF) Levels 1-6.
The workshop, held at the Kenema District Council Hall, brought together representatives from government institutions, industry, and training providers to assess the draft curriculum’s alignment with national standards and gather expert input for its validation and implementation roadmap.
In his address, Dr. Josephus Brimah, Chief Technical and Higher Education Officer, described the event as a major milestone in MTHE’s ongoing efforts to reform and strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). He noted that since 2018, the Ministry has worked to build a skilled and competitive workforce through improved system management, policy reforms, and strategic partnerships with industry. Dr. Brimah emphasized that these reforms are part of Sierra Leone’s broader Human Capital Development agenda, ensuring the nation’s workforce meets both local and global market demands.
He also highlighted the Ministry’s collaboration with the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education (NCTVE) to enhance accreditation, certification, and sustainability across the sector, acknowledging that TVET delivery remains resource-intensive but essential for national growth.
Director of TVET, Abdul A.B. Senesie, explained that the national consultation process was designed to make the curriculum more responsive to industry needs. He said the review would allow experts to refine its content, structure, and assessment strategies while promoting collective ownership among stakeholders. He added that the initiative supports the government’s Free Quality Education and Human Capital Development priorities and aims to enhance the perception of TVET in Sierra Leone.
Education Officer for TVET, Augustine Alie Esq., reaffirmed MTHE’s commitment to strengthening the TVET system. He revealed that a team of consultants and technical experts had developed the draft Industrial Plumbing Curriculum over three months and that the workshop was an opportunity for stakeholders to validate its technical soundness and compliance with national and international standards.
MTHE’s Administrative Officer for the Eastern Region, Mena A. Dumbuya, thanked participants from key institutions including the Eastern Technical University, the Ministry of Labour, SALWACO, the Water Directorate, private plumbing companies, and TVET centers. He underscored the value of collaboration in promoting innovation and excellence in technical education and reaffirmed MTHE’s dedication to advancing Sierra Leone’s Human Capital Development agenda through strengthened TVET programs.
Public Relations Officer of the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education (NCTVE), Oladapo Coulson Olowu, emphasized that competency-based education follows global best practices to enhance access to technology, and highlighted the Council’s continued coordination efforts. He also underscored the need for collective action to improve public perception of technical and vocational education. He concluded by thanking participants and expressing hope for constructive outcomes from the engagement.
The session concluded with a presentation by Lead Consultant, Ing. Alfred Abu, who provided an overview of the Sierra Leone National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) model that guides the curriculum’s structure and implementation.
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