By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Reporter
Plans are advancing for the establishment of a Sierra Leone-China Education Exchange Centre at Fourah Bay College (FBC), University of Sierra Leone, marking a significant development in the educational collaboration between the two nations.
The initiative was discussed during a meeting at the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) conference room in Freetown, where a Chinese technical delegation engaged with Sierra Leonean officials.
Emmanuel J. Momoh Esq., Director of Higher Education at MTHE, who chaired the session, emphasized the project’s potential to enhance academic infrastructure and alleviate classroom congestion. “The establishment of this centre represents not merely an infrastructural investment but a vital contribution to Sierra Leone’s human capital development,” he stated, acknowledging China’s ongoing support for the education sector.
Rev. Olive Harding, Local Director of the Confucius Institute at USL, noted that the idea for the exchange centre has been in development for the past two years, with FBC already designating land for the project. He described the centre as a “bridge of learning” that will create more opportunities for students and scholars from both countries.
Representatives from the Chinese Embassy and the China Energy Engineering Design Institute (CEEDI) assured that site inspections and technical assessments will be conducted to ensure the centre meets sustainability standards, including reliable water and power supplies. It was confirmed that ownership of the centre will be retained by FBC, under the oversight of the Ministry.
Once completed, the centre will feature modern classrooms, lecture halls, and offices, while promoting academic exchanges, scholarships, and joint research initiatives. All parties committed to expediting site visits and finalizing technical evaluations to ensure the project is implemented in a timely manner.
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