In a landmark move, Hon. Chernor Bah, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, has secured a historic partnership with Columbia University, one of the United States’ most prestigious Ivy League institutions. The agreement is set to transform Sierra Leone into a center of excellence for global health, education, and civic leadership, with young people at the heart of this vision.
Signed on August 12, 2025, by Minister Bah and Dr. Thoai Ngo, Professor and Chair of Columbia’s Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally unveiled by Columbia University on August 27, 2025.
Investing in the Future of Sierra Leone’s Youth
At its core, the partnership is about empowering the next generation of Sierra Leoneans with the tools, knowledge, and networks to thrive on the global stage. It will open new pathways for young people—students, researchers, and government officials—to access Ivy League-level training and mentorship, while anchoring joint research initiatives that address pressing issues such as health inequities, civic participation, and sustainable development.
“Sierra Leone’s greatest resource is its young people,” Minister Bah affirmed. “By investing in their education and leadership today, we are building a foundation for a stronger, more prosperous, and more resilient Sierra Leone tomorrow.”
A Global Partnership with Local Impact
The collaboration bridges global expertise and local aspirations. Columbia University brings world-leading knowledge in public health and development, while Sierra Leone offers a dynamic environment to innovate, test solutions, and expand opportunities for civic engagement.
“This collaboration shows that investing in Sierra Leone is not only vital for the country, but also strategic for the region,” said Dr. Ngo. “By building capacity locally, we are helping to shape a generation of leaders who will influence policy and practice across West Africa.”
Building a Generation of Change makers
Through this MoU, Sierra Leone will host new platforms for evidence generation, policy innovation, and civic education, designed to give young leaders the skills and confidence to drive change. The benefits will extend far beyond classrooms and laboratories, strengthening governance, amplifying citizens’ voices, and positioning Sierra Leone as a beacon of innovation in West Africa.
“By partnering with Columbia University, we are creating opportunities that will transform lives for generations to come,” Minister Bah concluded. “This is how we secure Sierra Leone’s future—by investing in our youths and unlocking their limitless potential.”