Students Loan Scheme Sierra Leone

On Friday the 13th of October 2023, the Honorable Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie visited the Secretariat and Board of Trustees. It's a testament to our work and teamwork at SLOAN-SL. The Loan Scheme is undoubtedly a pivotal answer to Higher Education Financing in Sierra Leone.

Transforming African Higher Education: The Association of African Higher Education Financing Agencies ( AAHEFA) 2023 Conference in Namibia"

24th September 2023

Africa's journey towards providing equitable access to higher education took a momentous step as the Association of Africa Higher Education Financing Agencies (AAHEFA) gathered in Swakopmund, Namibia, for its 4th International Conference on Financing Higher Education in Africa and AAHEFA Annual General Meeting (AGM). This landmark event, occurring from September 24th to 28th, 2023, focuses on the theme "Revolutionizing African Higher Education Student Funding Through Emerging Technologies and Funding Ecosystems for Sustainability." At the heart of this conference, we find Sierra Leone, a shining example of the positive impact of higher education financing through student loans.

Paul Joseph Amara, an AAHEFA Council Member and Chief Executive Officer of Sierra Leone's Student Loan Scheme, proudly represents Sierra Leone as the second West African nation to join this influential association after Ghana. This remarkable achievement underscores President Bio's visionary commitment to human capital development in Sierra Leone, making higher education accessible to all. The AAHEFA conference serves as a testament to the nation's progress in higher education financing and its unwavering dedication to transforming Africa through education.

AAHEFA's mission is crystal clear: to be an Association of Excellence for Higher Education Financing Agencies in Africa through Resource Mobilization and Capacity Building. With a focus on governance through the General Council and the Executive Council, AAHEFA ensures that key stakeholders collaborate effectively to drive this mission forward.

The conference's core agenda revolves around three vital pillars of transformation: re-imagining education, breaking down financial barriers, and embracing global opportunities. By fostering inclusivity, innovation, and future readiness, AAHEFA envisions a higher education landscape that empowers students to shape Africa's future.

During this event, academic institutions, policymakers, funding agencies, and technology experts converge to explore innovative strategies and approaches. The aim is to strengthen African higher education by integrating emerging technologies and cultivating a robust funding ecosystem. The ultimate goal is to enhance sustainability and broaden access to quality education for African students.

The AAHEFA 2023 Conference provides a unique platform for these stakeholders to engage in interactive discussions, collaborative networking, and knowledge-sharing. This collective effort aims to inspire concrete actions and foster partnerships that will propel positive change in the field of higher education.

As the AAHEFA 2023 Conference unfolds in Namibia, it signifies not only a gathering of minds but also a convergence of shared aspirations. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in reshaping the future of higher education in Africa. Through AAHEFA's dedication to excellence, Sierra Leone's inspiring journey, and the collective commitment of all involved, Africa's higher education landscape is set to flourish and empower generations to come. The inspiring work is being done across the continent.

Watch live: https://fb.watch/ngU4uE3BaM/?mibextid=Nif5oz

The Minister of Technical and Higher Education had a successful meeting with the Board Chair and C.E.O of Students’ Loan Scheme and AAHEFA members.

Students' Loan Scheme - Sierra Leone (SLOAN-SL) welcomes delegates from the Association of African Higher Financing Agencies (AAHEFA) to Sierra Leone. The visit is to enhance the capacity of SLOAN-SL to leverage membership of AAHEFA and position the Agency to provide effective Higher Education Financing in Sierra Leone..

THE MANAGEMENT OF THE SIERRA LEONE STUDENTS’ LOAN SCHEME EMBRACES THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION

By: Bernard Abass Kargbo, Public Education Officer - ACC

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) through its National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) Secretariat, on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, held an engagement with the top management of the Sierra Leone Students’ Loan Scheme (SLOAN-SL) at the office of its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Paul Amara, at the Milton Margai Technical University, Brookfields Campus, Jomo Kenyatta Road in Freetown.

This engagement aimed at establishing an Integrity Management Committee (IMC) at the SLOAN-SL, which will guide and pattern the institution’s drive and commitment to achieving a corrupt-free working environment.

The IMCs are structures that are formed within Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Local Councils to serve as watchdog bodies against corruption and enhance the integrity, transparency, and accountability of staff within a particular MDA.

Delivering her statement, the Deputy Director NACS, Zainab Othman underscored that, the Strategy was borne out of the provisions in the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) which mandates member states to develop an anti-corruption Strategy that has a national outlook.

Madam Othman also stated that the Strategy is a deliberate effort to bring the fight against corruption closer to the people emphasizing that the National Anti-Corruption Strategy is Sierra Leone’s national effort to orchestrate anti-corruption effort in the fight. The Strategy seeks to bring on board the various pillars of integrity in the fight against corruption with the main object of improving the delivery of public services that are effective in the prevention and control of corruption, she averred.

She further informed all that the Strategy entails periodic monitoring to ascertain the degree of compliance and that the Strategy is a five-year work plan and the country is rolling out the fourth (4th) Strategy.

Concluding she stated to her audience that the IMC will take the lead, while the ACC will only serve as a guide.

In his presentation, the Manager of the NACS, Wilfred Bangura explained the processes and procedures of establishing an IMC. He stated that the Strategy has 4 thematic areas which are: audit, procurement, administration, and human resource, which are also subdivided into various action points. Mr Bangura disclosed to the top management that the Strategy is theirs and that they should take ownership of its implementation. The IMC is like a channel through which the ACC talks to MDAs and it is a pre-condition in the fight against corruption, Wilfred noted.

The SLOAN-SL is an initiative of the Government of Sierra Leone, established by an Act of Parliament and tasked with the responsibility of providing financing for higher education in the country, meaning that, they will be handling public funds and therefore needed to establish an IMC to instill the culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the institution. We just want to make sure that we are compliant with what Government and other institutions working with public funds are supposed to do, noted the CEO, Paul Amara.

Assuring the ACC of the full cooperation of his staff, who are all aware of the establishment of the IMC and the visit of the Commission, Mr. Amara stated, the Management and staff are aware of this and whatever we do we must be on the safe side.

He further assured the ACC that they will work very hard to fight against corruption while emulating the high scores of other MDAs.

Staff of the SLOAN-SL commended the Commission for the swift move to establish an IMC in their institution, which is a mark of ACC’s pro-activeness and diligence.

The engagement was climaxed by questions, answers, and comments session.

©️ *Public Relations Unit, ACC*

We have extended the deadline for application from interested applicants for financial assistance. See Public Notice below:

Board of Directors - Sierra Leone Students' Loan Scheme

The Sierra Leone Students' Loan Scheme Secretariat (SLOAN-SL) wishes to inform the general public that, it has received funds from the Government of Sierra Leone to pilot the loan scheme for students in tertiary institutions; and is pleased to invite applications for financial assistance from less privileged Sierra Leoneans pursuing courses in institutions accredited by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). The financial assistance shall be in the form of loans.

CEO Student Loan Scheme; Mr. Paul Amara presenting a purse and certificate to a Head of a School representing a Senior Student Awardee from Kenema at the Conclusion of the Annual Education week organized by the Ministries of Basic and Higher Education at Bintumani. The theme is " Education Transformation for all.

The Students Loan Scheme Secretariat is celebrating the successful enactment and establishment of the Sierra Leone Students Loan Scheme in an end of year party at the Secretariat in New England Freetown.

PARLIAMENT APPROVES STUDENTS LOAN SCHEME

The Parliament of the Republic of Sierra Leone has debated and unanimously approved the Sierra Leone Students Loan Scheme Fund Act to facilitate and enhance access and provide funds to support tertiary education in Sierra Leone.

Today's decision records a fulfilment of President Bio's manifesto promise to introduce a students loan scheme in Sierra Leone for the first time.

STUDENTS LOAN SCHEME BILL MARCHES TO PARLIAMENT

The National Coordinator of the Students Loan Scheme Committee, Mr. Paul Amara shall be presenting the draft Bill and the cost benefit analysis of the Scheme to major stakeholders at an event in Bo on Thursday October 7 2021.

This presentation to senior management staff of the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and other relevant stakeholders will precede the pre-legislation presentation to Members of Parliament as the Bill heads to the House of Parliament for debate and approval in the coming days.

The Hon. Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Prof. Alpha Wurie would be steering the finalisation of the technical details ahead of the commencement of the Scheme.

©️ Communication Office, Students Loan Scheme Secreatariat

Students Loan Scheme Committee celebrates its Communication Strategist Abdul Karim Fonti Kabia on his 36th Birthday.

STATUS UPDATE ON STUDENTS LOAN SCHEME

The National Coordinator of the Students Loan Scheme Committee, Mr. Paul Amara is scheduled to address south/east residents this weekend through radio discussion programs to be hosted in Kenema and Bo.

The weekend programs will mark the start of a nationwide sensitisation/public education adventure ahead of the launch of the students loan scheme.

Starting tonight (Friday March 19 2021) on Starline Radio in Kenema at 8pm, Mr. Amara will update the public on the status of the students loan scheme, which is due to be piloted this year.

The coordinator will speak on the application guidelines and steps taken thus far to actualise the president's vision for the future of tertiary education in Sierra Leone.

STUDENTS LOAN SCHEME STATUS UPDATE

The National Coordinator of the Students Loan Scheme Committee, Mr. Paul Amara would be addressing and updating the general public today with regards to the status of the Students Loan Scheme.

Mr. Amara will be at the government press briefing at 1pm this afternoon.

The Students Loan Scheme Committee has been working over the last eight months to actualise the President's vision to support higher and technical education through the provision of government loans to students.

Students Loan Scheme to Commence This Year

The Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Prof. Alpha Tejan Wurie has announced today that the Students Loan Scheme will be piloted this year, in fulfilment of the promise made by His Excellency the President to introduce new financing initiatives to support technical and higher education in the country.

The Minister made this statement at the government press briefing organised by the Ministry of Information and Communication in Freetown.

The plan, according to the minister, is to start with post-graduate students.

This announcement is predicated on the successful work done thus far by the Students Loan Scheme Committee headed by Mr. Paul Amara.

Over the last eight months, the students loan committee has traversed the length and breadth of Sierra Leone consulting various stakeholders in a bid to actualise the President's pronouncement to establish the Students Loan Scheme.

A draft bill awaits final parliamentary nod to effectively kick start the process.

©️ Communication Unit, Students Loan Scheme Committee

The Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Turad Senesie has confirmed that the Students Loan Scheme Bill is now with the Law Officers Department and would soon be tabled in Parliament for debate and approval.

"The Secretariat of the Scheme is near complete," Dr. Senesie disclosed.

The National Coordinator of the Students Loan Scheme Committee, Mr. Paul Amara has commenced a nationwide public education engagement on the outcome of the national survey and consultations ahead of the establishment of the students loan scheme.

On Thursday November 26 2020 at 2pm, there will be a special program on KISS 104 FM in Bo hosting the coordinator and team to speak on provisions in the draft students loan act.

Similar radio discussion programs will be held in Kenema, Makeni, Kambia, Moyamba, Koinadugu, Freetown and Port Loko.

The draft students loan scheme act has been validated and presented to the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education for onward action.

Stakeholders validate draft legislation for the establishment of the students loan scheme...

"Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, the Students Loan Scheme apart from being
a manifesto promise, is the modern approach to funding tertiary education that is being
adopted around the world. Consultations with key stakeholders to inform the design
and subsequent implementation of the scheme have been completed. The development of the legal framework is at an advanced stage. Government will ensure that loan disbursements would be done in a credible and transparent manner for all qualifying Sierra Leoneans, irrespective of income level, gender and ethnicity," says Finance Minister during the 2021 Budget Presentation in Parliament.

The Finance Officer of the Students Loan Scheme Committee is bereaved.

Mr. Philip Sannoh lost his junior brother.

We hereby express our deepest condolences to the bereaved family in this difficult moment.

May the soul of the faithfully departed rest well in Heaven.

Students Loan Policy Ready for Stakeholders Validation

Four months into the work of the committee set up to establish the Government of Sierra Leone Students Loan Scheme, a draft policy is ready.

The policy is the outcome of nationwide consultations, survey and sensitisation ahead of the establishment of the students loan scheme.

Various stakeholders have been invited to witness the policy validation session scheduled to be held at the conference hall of the Ministry of Finance on Thursday November 5 2020.

Opposition Leaders Welcome Students Loan Initiative

The students’ loan initiative proposed by His Excellency the President during his inaugural address in the House of Parliament has received overwhelming support from the Sierra Leonean populace, with the latest endorsements coming from opposition leaders in parliament.

The students’ loan scheme committee headed by Mr. Paul Amara is effectively succeeding in uniting Sierra Leone under the students’ loan scheme umbrella as evident in the unflinching endorsements and anxiousness of Sierra Leoneans across tribes, regions, politics and religious affiliations among others ahead of the establishment of the scheme meant to support access to quality education in Sierra Leone.

Following a successful nationwide survey soliciting the views of the people on the establishment of the students’ loan scheme, in addition to a regional radio discussion venture, the ongoing stakeholders’ consultations have abundantly captured the contributions of the stakeholders who have unanimous endorsed the initiative.

This week, the national coordinator met with two major opposition stakeholders in the House of Parliament in the persons of Hon. Chernoh Bah aka Chericoco of the All People’s Congress (APC) and Hon. Kandeh Yumkella of the National Grand Coalition (NGC).
During the separate meetings, the two opposition leaders expressed unflinching support towards the establishment of the scheme that a meant to benefit not only Sierra Leoneans students, but parents and higher education institutions.

Hon. Yumkella disclosed that the NGC remain consistent about their interest in quality education.

He was however keen to see and study the documents on the structures being put in place to ensure compliance with sustainability and equity.

He urged the coordinator and team to embark on intensive nationwide sensitization ahead of the commencement of the scheme.
He called on the committee to safeguard the scheme against politicization, so that it will succeed.

“Let’s do this together for nation and posterity,” he ended.

For his part, Hon. Chernoh Bah expressed happiness that the current government is taking actions to actualize the students’ loan scheme dream.

“As political actors, we are under obligation to support this scheme, irrespective of our political differences,” he pointed out.

Education, he said, is a national priority and ‘that explains why the opposition is not playing politics when it comes to commending and endorsing quality education interventions of the government.

“When students’ loan scheme succeeds, the whole nation succeeds. Education is the key to national development,” the opposition leader noted.

“I assure you definitely that when the students’ loan legislation document comes to parliament, it will go down in history as one of the fastest bills to sail through this parliament. This will be a venture of the Sierra Leone Parliament supporting as a group something that will better the lives and future of students of this country,” he concluded.

Earlier, the students’ loan scheme committee chairman, Mr. Paul Amara succinctly briefed the opposition leaders regarding steps being taken to actualize the formation of the students’ loan scheme.