In the era where collaboration between academic institutions is taking center stage, EBKUST–Sierra Leone and CWAS of UESTC forge collaborations to strengthen academic ties through a virtual meeting.

In a remarkable step towards enhancing international academic collaboration, the Centre for West African Studies (CWAS) of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) and the Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST) in Sierra Leone have held an official online meeting through WeChat to deliberate on the proposed collaboration between the two institutions. The meeting underscored the shared vision of both universities: to advance higher education, nurture research, and prepare students to be global citizens.

Though initially planned as an in-person engagement, the demanding schedule of both institutional heads led to the decision to convene virtually through WeChat. This meeting serves as a symbol of determination and commitment to nurturing academic partnership despite the geographical barriers.

Representing CWAS of UESTC was the distinguished Professor Zhao Shurong, whose vision for cross-border cooperation has guided many similar initiatives, especially in West Africa. On the EBKUST side, the university was ably represented by its esteemed Vice Chancellor and Principal and Chairman of the Conference of Vice Chancellors and Principals (CVCP), Sierra Leone, the Reverend Professor Edwin J.J. Momoh, known for his intellectual leadership and drive to drive Sierra Leone’s higher education sector.

Adding a unique dimension to the discussion were two Sierra Leonean students currently pursuing advanced degrees at UESTC: Koroma Abu Bakarr, a PhD candidate in the School of Management and Economics (SME), and Emmanuel Josiah, a master’s candidate from the School of Public Administration (SPA). The presence of these young scholars, however, provided a student-centered perspective to the deliberations, reflecting the real impact of such affiliations on academic and professional growth. They also served as living examples of how collaborative links in academic institutions can broaden opportunities for young scholars.

Professor Zhao Shurong gave detailed information about CWAS and UESTC and went further to highlight key initiatives and current developments of the CWAS both in China and abroad, especially in West Africa. She explained the annual International Symposium on West African Studies (ISWAS) and went further to extend an invitation to Professor Edwin J.J. Momoh to attend the next conference to be held in November 2025 in Ghana. The Reverend Professor however, accepted the invitation and asked that the invitation is sent to his desk as soon as possible.

The Reverend Professor from the fastest-growing public institution in Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST), who is on another official assignment in China, also expressed optimism about the proposed affiliations.

Both professors expressed a strong commitment and are optimistic that this partnership would open new doors for long-term academic exchange and mutual growth. This affiliation aims not only to elevate institutional reputation but also to provide students and staff members with international exposure. Professo. Edwin J.J. Momoh also further expressed his appreciation to the young scholars and to the director of the Centre for West African Studies, Professor Zhao Shurong, for steering the wheels that got the two learning citadels to such a significant step. All parties expressed excitement about the chances and possibilities that lie ahead of the two institutions, as well as the revolutionary impact that they may accomplish together in the not-distant future.

The meeting emphasized several strategic areas of cooperation that would form the foundation of the partnership. These include but are not limited to:

The two institutions are bringing joint initiatives to promote groundbreaking research and collaborative learning, thereby strengthening both institutions’ academic profiles.

Providing further specialized training of staff, including both academic and administrative staff, while enabling exchange programs where necessary to allow Professors, faculty members, and other academic staff to teach and collaborate across both universities.

Creating a pathway for both undergraduate and postgraduate students to benefit from cultural, academic, and social immersion abroad.

The exchange of scholarly and other academic materials, including sharing publications, research findings, and other resources to enrich libraries and databases in both institutions. This cannot be disconnected from a commitment to explore additional mutual benefits as the partnership evolves.

Source: Koroma Abu Bakarr, photos taken from the meeting (21/09/2025)

This all-important online meeting concluded with a shared commitment to draft formal frameworks that will shape the affiliations. Both institutions anticipates that this partnership will continue to set a precedent for broader collaborations between Chinese and West African universities, fostering mutual respect, knowledge-sharing, and academic excellence.