Makeni, Sierra Leone | October 27, 2026
The University of Makeni (UniMak) has made history by hosting Sierra Leone’s first-ever interdisciplinary conference, marking the 11th edition of the continental initiative. The landmark gathering brought together delegates from seven universities across seven African nations to develop context-specific strategies for strengthening higher education, promoting regional integration, and advancing sustainable development across the continent.
The conference highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research and cross-border academic collaboration in addressing Africa’s development challenges through locally driven and sustainable solutions.
Speaking at the event, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Ramatulai Wurrie, commended the initiative, emphasizing the critical role of collaborative research and international academic partnerships in improving the quality of education, strengthening human capital development, and expanding opportunities for private-sector growth across Africa.
The Minister’s remarks underscored the need for African universities to work collectively, share knowledge, and develop innovative solutions that respond to the continent’s unique social, economic, and educational challenges.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Makeni, Professor Joseph Turay, expressed the University’s gratitude for the participation of university leaders and delegates from across the continent. He highlighted the measurable achievements of the multi-institutional consortium behind the initiative, particularly its contribution to the supervision and production of eight PhD graduates from the University of Makeni, who are expected to graduate in March 2027.
Professor Turay encouraged participants to build on the success of these academic partnerships by strengthening institutional cooperation, promoting interdisciplinary research, and translating research outcomes into practical solutions that benefit communities across Africa.
The conference represents a significant milestone for the University of Makeni and Sierra Leone’s higher education sector, reinforcing the importance of African-led research, knowledge exchange, and collaboration in addressing regional development priorities.
As participating institutions look towards the future, the gathering serves as a renewed call for African universities to deepen their partnerships, invest in research and innovation, and collectively develop sustainable, homegrown solutions to the continent’s most pressing challenges.
