Strategic Collaboration Launch ILO and EBKUST Sign Entrepreneurship Hub Agreement

A Road to Strategic Growth for Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology

The agreement marks a major step in strengthening the practical aspect of entrepreneurship education at EBKUST. It aims to equip students with hands-on training and real-world business experience so they can become job creators, understand market systems, and use data to drive innovation and mindset change. Through this initiative, students will be empowered to turn their business ideas into viable enterprises, creating employment and contributing to Sierra Leone’s economic growth.

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Strengthening Entrepreneurship Education through Partnership

On 8th October 2025, administrators from the Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology, including the Vice Chancellor and Principal, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Deputy Registrar, and Heads of Department, met with officials from the International Labour Organization, Mr. Tonderai Monoto, Chief Technical Adviser for Sierra Leone, Mrs. Sinnah Massaquoi, Enterprise Development Officer, and Dr. Julius Mattia, Consultant, at the University Secretariat Conference Room in Magburaka, Tonkolili District, for the official signing of the BS-For the Operationalisation of the Entrepreneur Hub Agreement.

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Building a Partnership for Innovation and Growth

The meeting opened with a prayer and introductions by Professor Edwin J. J. Momoh, Vice Chancellor of EBKUST. Registrar Oscar Oladipo Hughes welcomed the ILO team, emphasizing their importance to the university and the partnership’s role in driving innovation, youth empowerment, and inclusive growth.

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The ILO’s Commitment to Job Creation

Mr. Tonderai Monoto, Chief Technical Adviser for the ILO in Sierra Leone, who oversees the Opportunity Salone Project managed by the ILO and funded by the European Union, thanked the EBKUST team for their commitment and innovation. He explained that the project creates jobs in cassava, oil palm, and vegetable value chains, empowering women, youths, and persons with disabilities in Port Loko, Bo, Bombali, and Kenema Districts. He noted that many small enterprises face limited finance, unreliable data, and inadequate tools, and that the ILO’s approach addresses these gaps while promoting inclusive market systems.

Mr. Monoto stated, “Entrepreneurship exists within everyone, and when we discover the entrepreneur in ourselves, we unlock greater potential for growth and transformation. Our mission under the Opportunity Salone Project is to create jobs and open opportunities for women, youths, and persons with disabilities by building inclusive and fair market systems.” He commended the EBKUST management for their teamwork and dedication, describing the collaboration as a model for sustainable progress and innovation.

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Professor Edwin J. J. Momoh, Vice Chancellor and Principal of EBKUST, encouraged his management team to engage actively in decision-making to ensure the university’s continued growth, and true progress comes when teamwork drives continuity, not when success depends on one person alone. Professor Momoh remarked, “When we come to the table, we must all participate so that we can move forward and not remain stagnant. Our goal is to build systems that outlive individuals and sustain growth over time“ . He thanked the ILO delegation for their partnership, noting that the collaboration adds renewed energy and responsibility to deliver results.

Signing and Closing Remarks

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Operationalisation of the Entrepreneurship Hub Agreement was conducted by Dr. Joseph Davies, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the EBKUST Makeni Campus. He also delivered the closing statement and vote of thanks.

Dr. Davies expressed deep appreciation to all partners, participants, and the ILO team for their continued support. He reaffirmed EBKUST’s commitment to advancing entrepreneurship and innovation among students as a pathway to sustainable development and job creation in Sierra Leone.