European Union-Funded SLEEK Project Launched at University of Makeni

The Sierra Leone Education in Entrepreneurial Pedagogy and Skills (SLEEK) Project was officially launched at the University of Makeni on Friday, 20 June 2025, bringing together university leaders, students, industry partners and development organisations to advance entrepreneurship education through collaboration, innovation and skills development.

The launch, organised by the SLEEK Project Consortium, marked the start of the project’s implementation at the University of Makeni, one of the partner institutions participating in the European Union-funded Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education initiative. The project seeks to strengthen entrepreneurial teaching and learning, build institutional capacity, foster innovation, and equip graduates with the practical skills needed to create employment opportunities and contribute to Sierra Leone’s socio-economic development.

Welcoming participants, the Registrar of the University of Makeni, Mr. Foday Augustine Bangura, expressed appreciation to the European Union and the SLEEK consortium partners for bringing the initiative to the University. He described entrepreneurship education as an essential part of higher education, saying it prepares students to think creatively, solve real-life problems and create opportunities for themselves and others.

Participants were introduced to the vision and objectives of the SLEEK Project through a presentation by Mr. Willian Conteh, who outlined the project’s background, expected outcomes and collaborative approach among the partner universities. He explained that the initiative is designed to improve entrepreneurial pedagogy, strengthen institutional capacity, encourage innovation and increase graduate employability across participating institutions.

Building on that presentation, Madam Ann Njehu explained how the project will be implemented at the University of Makeni. She highlighted planned activities, expected benefits for staff and students, and the opportunities the project will create for learning, collaboration and innovation. She encouraged members of the university community to actively participate in the programme and take advantage of the opportunities it offers.

One of the key presentations was delivered by the Director of Academic Affairs, Rev. Dr. Earnest P. Gbamabja, on Upskilling Entrepreneurship Educators in Higher Education. He emphasised that entrepreneurship should not be confined to business programmes but integrated across all academic disciplines. He also called for continuous professional development for lecturers and the adoption of learner-centred teaching methods that encourage creativity, critical thinking, innovation and practical problem-solving.

The event also highlighted the important role of industry in supporting entrepreneurship education.

Speaking on behalf of Innovation SL Ltd, Chief Executive Officer Mr. Francis Stevens George encouraged students to embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to creating sustainable businesses and driving innovation. He spoke about opportunities in business incubation, digital entrepreneurship and start-up development, while encouraging young people, particularly women, to make full use of the support available through the SLEEK Project.

Representing Mountain Lion Agricultural Company, Mr. Donald O.T. Smart stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between universities and industry. He noted that internships, mentorship, applied research and industry partnerships are essential for ensuring graduates leave university with practical experience and skills that meet the needs of employers.

Participants later engaged in an interactive question-and-answer session, discussing issues including student participation, curriculum development, project sustainability, staff capacity building and university-industry collaboration. The discussions reflected strong interest in the project and a shared commitment among stakeholders to ensuring its successful implementation.

The ceremony concluded with the official launch of the SLEEK Project at the University of Makeni by the Vice Chancellor, Rev. Prof. Joseph Alimamy Turay, who described the initiative as an important opportunity to strengthen entrepreneurship education within the institution. He thanked the European Union for its support and commended the consortium partners for their collaboration. He also reaffirmed the University’s commitment to successfully implementing the project and encouraged staff and students to play an active role throughout its implementation.

With the official launch completed, the University of Makeni joins the other partner institutions in implementing the SLEEK Project to strengthen entrepreneurship education and foster innovation across higher education. Through improved teaching practices, stronger engagement with industry and expanded opportunities for experiential learning, the initiative is expected to help develop graduates who are better equipped to create businesses, generate employment and contribute to Sierra Leone’s long-term economic growth.