Education Week

Education Week 2025 Hosted in Bombali District (University of Makeni, UniMak)

President Julius Maada Bio
Building on These Remarkable Legacies:
Establishment of the Digital Services and Technology Innovation (DSTI) at State House:
This initiative aimed to drive Sierra Leone’s digital transformation, modernize public services, and improve the nation’s governance through technology.

Free Quality Education Initiative:
President Bio’s government implemented the Free Quality Education (FQE) policy, which sought to provide free education from primary to secondary school levels.

Empowering Women and Gender Equality Initiatives (GEWE Act):
President Bio made gender equality and the empowerment of women a central focus of his administration.


Tripartite Approach Needed to Realize Full Benefits of AI in Education

  • Policy Makers and Regulators
  • Educators and Institutions
  • Technology Providers and Developers


UniMak Workflow Innovation Hub

A dynamic ecosystem fostering collaboration, tech advancements and creative problem-solving to simplify processes and drive meaningful impact across Sierra Leone.
UniMak’s Workflow Innovation Hub empowers students, startups, and researchers to drive cutting-edge solutions in technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. With state-of-the-art resources and expert guidance, it’s the ultimate space for transforming ideas into impactful innovations.


Center for Innovation

The Centre for Innovation at the University of Makeni (UniMak) is a hub empowering students and the community to transform ideas into impactful solutions through technology, entrepreneurship, and research. With a focus on innovation-driven development, the center fosters creativity, collaboration, and sustainable growth in Sierra Leone.


UniMak’s Centre for Innovation and Workflow Innovation Hub: Pioneering AI in Education

The University of Makeni (UniMak) has taken a bold step toward revolutionizing education in Sierra Leone through the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its academic and administrative systems. With its Centre for Innovation and the Workflow Innovation Hub leading this transformation, UniMak is positioning itself as a trailblazer in redefining how education is delivered and managed in the region.

The Centre for Innovation: Catalyzing AI-Driven Change
UniMak’s Centre for Innovation stands as a beacon of creativity and technological advancement. Designed to nurture innovative solutions to real-world challenges, the Centre is spearheading efforts to embed AI into education. From enhancing classroom learning to streamlining administrative workflows, AI is poised to elevate UniMak’s academic landscape to unprecedented heights.
Through partnerships with tech hubs and startups, including collaborations with eWomen SL and other local innovation intermediaries, the Centre for Innovation is actively exploring AI-driven tools that promote interactive learning, personalized education, and data-driven decision-making.

The Workflow Innovation Hub: Streamlining University Operations
The Workflow Innovation Hub complements the Centre for Innovation by focusing on the efficiency and effectiveness of university operations. By integrating AI-powered solutions, the Hub is improving processes such as admissions, student engagement, and resource management.
AI is being employed to predict student performance, optimize course scheduling, and analyze administrative data for better resource allocation. These advancements ensure that UniMak not only enhances its internal processes but also provides students with an exceptional educational experience.

AI in the Classroom
UniMak’s readiness to embrace AI in education is evident in its approach to teaching and learning. With AI tools such as intelligent tutoring systems, virtual labs, and adaptive learning platforms, the university is fostering an environment where students can learn at their own pace and according to their unique needs.
Lecturers are empowered with AI analytics to assess student progress and identify areas where additional support is needed. This data-driven approach ensures that no student is left behind, promoting equitable access to quality education.

Preparing Students for the AI Era
The university recognizes that AI is not just a tool for teaching but also a subject of study. UniMak is developing AI-focused curricula to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven world. From machine learning courses to practical projects, students are being prepared to become innovators and leaders in the tech industry.

Partnerships and Collaboration
UniMak’s commitment to embracing AI extends beyond its campus. By collaborating with government agencies, private sector partners, and international organizations, the university is creating a robust ecosystem to support AI integration in education.
The partnerships aim to attract funding, provide technical expertise, and create opportunities for research and development. These collaborations also position UniMak as a thought leader in the national dialogue on AI and education.

Challenges and the Way Forward
While the integration of AI in education presents significant opportunities, it also comes with challenges such as infrastructural limitations, digital literacy gaps, and concerns about data privacy. However, UniMak’s proactive approach, guided by its Centre for Innovation and Workflow Innovation Hub, ensures that these challenges are addressed through strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.

Conclusion
UniMak is at the forefront of transforming education in Sierra Leone by embracing AI as a catalyst for innovation and progress. Through its Centre for Innovation and Workflow Innovation Hub, the university is redefining traditional educational models and preparing its students and staff for the opportunities of the AI era.

As UniMak continues to lead this transformation, it sets a precedent for other institutions to follow, ensuring that Sierra Leone remains competitive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.


Some of the Tech Startups Empowered by UniMak

ECO SOLAR
SHECODES
BYTE DEFENDERS
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