By Mohamed Kamara
Freetown, Sierra Leone — Mr. Mathew Collins, a retired educationist and former Ministry of Education official, has highlighted pressing issues in the higher education sector during his recent visit to Sierra Leone. In an exclusive interview, Collins, who served from the mid-1990s until 2006 and now resides in Detroit, Texas, emphasized the need for structural changes to accommodate the rising number of students and improve the quality of university education by 2028.
Collins noted that despite his previous proposals for expanding higher education infrastructure, they were largely ignored. He advocated for the construction of new university departments and faculties in various locations around the western urban areas. “The current facilities are inadequate for the growing student population,” Collins remarked. “By decentralizing and building new structures, we can provide more space, accommodate more students, and create additional employment opportunities.”
He cited the longstanding challenges faced by Fourah Bay College, which has struggled with insufficient classroom space, inadequate furniture, unreliable electricity, and a limited library. “Imagine if the Department of Physics and Chemistry were housed in a dedicated facility designed for over eight hundred students,” Collins suggested. “This would allow for state-of-the-art laboratories and better educational resources.”
Collins compared this approach to practices in Western universities, where large student populations are managed efficiently through specialized facilities. He argued that similar strategies could be implemented locally to address the current shortfalls. Additionally, he highlighted the potential economic benefits, including transport investments for both the private and public sectors.
For provincial colleges, Collins recommended constructing dormitories and dining facilities to attract and support more students. “Many parents are reluctant to send their children away from home due to concerns about their safety and discipline,” he explained. “Providing on-campus housing and facilities could alleviate these concerns and make provincial colleges more attractive.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Collins acknowledged that the educational landscape has changed significantly since his retirement. He expressed hope that with the current free quality education initiative, his recommendations might eventually be considered. “Education should not only involve books but also an environment conducive to learning,” he said.
Collins also expressed frustration with past administrations’ lack of commitment to improving education. “During my service, there was a lack of political will and professional focus on education,” he concluded. “Funds intended for education were often diverted elsewhere.”
As Sierra Leone continues to develop its educational infrastructure, Collins’ insights underscore the urgent need for strategic planning and investment to ensure that the growing demand for higher education is met effectively.
