The Ministry of Youth Affairs (MoYA) and the Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) on Tuesday 10th June 2025 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to train youths in various income generating skills for self-reliance and job creation, with emphasis on entrepreneurship, change of mindset and perception.
MMTU and MoYA have identified 24 courses that would take the former to another level.
The signing ceremony took place at the MMTU Great Hall of the Goderich campus in Freetown.
Some of the six (6) months intensive courses to be offered include Cyber Security, Coding, Plumbing, Carpentry, different aspects of Agriculture, Hairdressing, Climate Change and Adaptation, Automobile Engineering, Animal Husbandry, Soap making, Cooling System Engineering, Baking and Confectionery.
The Minister of Youth Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Sannoh, reiterated that the need for the training cannot be overstated, and observed that youths are the leaders of today, that at the end of the training they are expected to create their own jobs and is optimistic that the MoU would be implemented within the timeline.
The Deputy Minister of Technical and High Education, Mr. Sajoh Aziz Kamara, disclosed that the MoU aligns with the vision of the Ministry and is a bold and intentional move, and that the MMTU has been transformed over the years from a Teacher Training College to Polytechnic, and now a Technical University, all by the current government, adding that they have increased the number of universities from six to twelve.
According to the Deputy Minister, universities must raise the bar high to embrace innovation and industrialization, observing that 70% of the population is youths and that the need to tap their rich talents cannot be over-emphasized.
The Vice Chancellor and Principal of MMTU, Professor Philip John Kanu, affirmed that the day is a day to celebrate, as the initiative would be of immense benefit to the country, underscoring that no one should be left behind, stressing that youths cannot be ignored, as some of them do not have the opportunity. He furthered that the initiative aligns with government’s human capital development and youth empowerment.
He affirmed that the MoU would have a positive impact in the lives of youths, and guaranteed that they would stand the test of time.
Professor Kanu furthered that MMTU is relevant and accessible, that emphasis would be put on entrepreneurship, and asserted that no one should be left behind, that some youths do not have the opportunity to learn skills, further assuring that the MoU would be implemented to the letter, as they have conducted several trainings and short courses before, enlightening that the curriculum and course contents would be harmonized.
He continued that the courses would target youths without the formal university requirements, and no one would be left behind. He assured that they would be awarded certificates, as MMTU is accredited to the Tertiary Education Commission.
The Permanent Secretary, MoYA, Mr. Morrison Gboyoh, urged students to strive for academic excellence, furthering that this is not the first time they have collaborated with the MMTU, mentioning the training of youths in Bricklaying and Masonry. He expressed optimism that the MoU would transform youths nationwide, and appealed to them to network, underscoring that the MoU between MoYA and MMTU would be taken very seriously, and hoped it would be implemented to the letter, as well as serve its intended purpose.
The Coordinator of Short Courses, MMTU, Mr. Papa Njai, catalogued some of the short courses and trainings organized by MMTU over the years, and guaranteed all of quality service at all times.
Earlier in her welcome statement, Mrs. Aminata Bangura, Dean of the Brookfields campus, MMTU, revealed that the initiative is to train young minds for positive perception, adding that the MMTU is prepared to give life to the beneficiaries, and recalled that the institution had earlier trained 65 staff of Mercy Ships.
Highlights of the well-attended event were the signing of the MoU, musical and comedian performances, recitation of a poem and the singing of the MMTU Song.
The vote of thanks was rendered by the Students’ Union President, Ms. Bintu Bangura, who assured that they would take advantage of the opportunity to transform the country.