Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) Lunch SLEEK at the Congo cross campus

Milton Margai Technical University (MMTU) officially launched the SLEEK Project– Strengthening Local Engagement through Evidence and Knowledge – at its Congo Cross Campus in a vibrant ceremony attended by university leadership, faculty members, students, government representatives, industry partners, and media personnel.

The launch marks a significant milestone in MMTU’s commitment to transforming entrepreneurship education and fostering innovation among youth and technical learners across Sierra Leone.

A Transformative Initiative for Entrepreneurial Excellence

The SLEEK Project is an Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) initiative co-funded by the European Union. It brings together partner universities from Sierra Leone, Spain, Austria, and Finland to strengthen entrepreneurial pedagogy and business services within higher education institutions.

At MMTU, the project will focus on:

- Developing a standardized entrepreneurship curriculum tailored for technical and vocational learners.

- Expanding business support services for students and young innovators.

- Integrating real-world problem-solving into teaching through collaboration with local enterprises.

- Promoting gender-inclusive innovation, with special emphasis on empowering female students and entrepreneurs.

The official launch event was graced by key stakeholders, including:

- Prof. Philip Kanu, Vice Chancellor, MMTU 

- papa Njai, Project Lead on Quality Assurance 

- Representatives from  IPAM/USL, UNIMTECH, InnoSL, etc online

Opening Remarks: A Vision for Youth Empowerment

In his keynote address, Prof. Philip Kanu, Vice Chancellor of MMTU, emphasized the critical role of technical education in national development.

As a university dedicated to science, technology, engineering, and applied sciences, MMTU is uniquely positioned to drive innovation through initiatives like SLEEK,” said Prof. Kanu’’. 

 “This project empowers our students not just to seek jobs, but to create them. It bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-life enterprise.”

He further highlighted that the integration of entrepreneurial skills into technical training will produce graduates who are not only job-ready but also job-creating.

Project Implementation Plan at MMTU

Under the coordination of papa Njai, the SLEEK Quality Assurance  Leader at MMTU, the university will lead several work packages, including

- Curriculum Development: Designing hands-on entrepreneurship modules for students.

- Innovation Hubs: Establishing student-led incubation spaces at the Congo Cross and other campuses.

- Faculty Training: Equipping lecturers with modern teaching methodologies such as design thinking, lean start-up models, and digital tools.

- Community Engagement: Partnering with local artisans, SMEs, and cooperatives to solve community challenges through innovation.

MMTU will also collaborate closely with the*SLEEK Dissemination Team at UNIMTECH to ensure maximum visibility and impact across all partner institutions.

Interactive Session and Student Showcase

A highlight of the launch was the student innovation showcase, where teams presented prototypes and business ideas developed during a pre-launch boot camp.

Projects included:

- Solar-powered water purification units

- Mobile apps for agricultural extension services

- Upcycled fashion products made from recycled materials

“These young minds are the future of Sierra Leone’s economy,” said Ms. Hannah, a member of the SLEEK Consortium from InnoSL. “With proper mentorship and resources, they can turn their ideas into sustainable businesses.”

Building Strategic Partnerships

The launch also served as a platform for signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between MMTU and private sector partners, including:

- Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce

- TechHub Freetown

- Youth Challenge International – Sierra Leone

These partnerships will provide internship opportunities, mentorship, and access to funding for student entrepreneurs.

🌐 Digital Integration and Visibility

As part of the SLEEK DiVi (Dissemination and Visibility) Strategy, MMTU has activated its presence on the official SLEEK website  and social media platforms:

- 📘 Facebook: @SLEEK-SierraLeone 

- 📸 Instagram: @sleeksierraleone 

- 🐦 Twitter/X: @SLEEKSierraL 

- 💼 LinkedIn: SLEEK Sierra Leone 

- ▶️ YouTube: @SLEEKSierraLeone 

All upcoming events, training sessions, and research outputs will be shared across these channels to engage a wider audience.