Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has officially bid farewell to 29 Sierra Leonean students awarded prestigious scholarships to pursue higher education in Russia.
The ceremony, held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in New England Ville, marked a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing investment in human capital development.
Of the 29 awardees, 21 received the Russian State Budgetary Scholarship, while 8 were granted the RUDN University Scholarship. They were selected from a competitive pool of over 500 applicants for the 2025/2026 academic year.The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has officially bid farewell to 29 Sierra Leonean students awarded prestigious scholarships to pursue higher education in Russia.
The ceremony, held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in New England Ville, marked a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing investment in human capital development.
Of the 29 awardees, 21 received the Russian State Budgetary Scholarship, while 8 were granted the RUDN University Scholarship. They were selected from a competitive pool of over 500 applicants for the 2025/2026 academic year.“This year’s cohort includes 10 females and 19 males,” Dambo stated. “Their fields of study span critical areas such as medical sciences, tropical medicine, engineering, international relations, business, and physics. These disciplines are aligned with national priorities and the vision of President Bio to strengthen Sierra Leone’s human resource base.”
Dambo emphasized the importance of academic excellence and discipline, urging the students to serve as ambassadors of Sierra Leone. He expressed confidence that their training, particularly in medical fields, would help reduce the country’s dependence on overseas treatment and enhance the local workforce.
The Acting Secretary also used the occasion to caution the public against fraudulent scholarship schemes. He revealed that the Ministry had received reports of fake scholarship advertisements, including one falsely linked to Russia and Hungary.
An individual identified as Ibrahim Koroma is alleged to have posed as a consultant and misled applicants. Dambo confirmed that a police complaint had been filed, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) had been notified, and the Ministry was appealing to the public for any information that could assist in locating the suspect.
“Government scholarships are entirely free,” he reminded. “We urge students and parents not to fall prey to scammers. Desperation should never override due diligence.”
Two of the departing scholars, Kadiatu Phylicia Sherif and Joseph M. Musa, shared their gratitude and aspirations. Sherif, who will pursue a master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy at the People’s Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), encouraged young people, especially girls, to apply for scholarships with confidence. Musa, heading to St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University to study Public Service, highlighted his commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s public health system upon his return.
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