BHANTAL IPAM University of Sierra Leone

Day 1 of Ramadan - Hiri 1447 AH
"O YOU WHO HAVE BELIEVED, DECREED UPON YOU IS FASTING AS IT WAS DECREED UPON THOSE BEFORE YOU THAT YOU MAY BECOME RIGHTEOUS.
Quran Chapter 2 Verse 83
fans

Highlights from today’s Bhantal IPAM-USL Education Seminar at the Medsaj building. Our speakers dived deep into how we can nurture academic success while staying true to our cultural identity.
It was an absolute honor to host our distinguished speakers:

✨ Mr. Mohamed Pateh Bah (Keynote Speaker)
✨ Mr. Ambalieu Barrie (Guest Speaker)
✨ Dr. Muhammadu Jalloh (Guest Speaker)

..all brilliantly hosted by Eld. Kadijatu Jalloh.

Their wisdom has given us a clear roadmap for the future. Thank you to everyone who joined us today on January 18th to make this event such a resounding success.

What does "Excellence" mean to you? 💡

At Bhantal IPAM-USL, we believe excellence is a blend of academic success, strong unity, and a proud cultural identity.

On January 18th, we invite you to the Medsaj Building at 9:00 AM to explore these values with our keynote speaker, Mr. Pateh Bah, and our panel of experts.

Whether you are a student, a professional, or a community member, this seminar is designed to inspire your next step forward.

* 🗓 Date: 18th January 2026
* 🕘 Time: 9:00 AM
* 📍 Location: 47 Circular Road (Medsaj Building)

Let’s build the future together. 🤝✨

Friendly Football Match
Where Experience Meets Energy⚽️

Today, the spirit of unity took center stage as the Bhantal IPAM Elders Council laced up their boots to face off against our current students in a thrilling friendly football match.

It was a fantastic display of sportsmanship, respect, and community bonding. Thank you to our esteemed Elders for sharing their time and energy.

Now for the important question... Who do you think won the bragging rights? 😉 Drop your guess in the comments below.👇

Swipe through to see the action! 📸

*SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AS A PANACEA FOR GRADUATE UNEMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION IN SIERRA LEONE*

*BY: IBRAHIM BARRIE*
POLICY ANALYST & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ADVOCATE
📞 +232 76 466542
[email protected]

_________________________
Ibrahim Barrie is a Policy Analyst and Youth Development Advocate with a strong interest in education reform, governance, and sustainable development in Sierra Leone. He is passionate about promoting skills development, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment as catalysts for national growth.

----------------------------------------

In recent years, Sierra Leone has witnessed a growing challenge of graduate unemployment despite significant progress in higher education. Many young graduates now face the harsh reality of job scarcity, skill mismatches, and the culture of “connectorism.” In this insightful piece, Ibrahim Barrie a dedicated youth advocate and researcher explores how skills development and practical education reform can serve as the most effective solutions to this pressing issue. His analysis provides a call to action for policymakers, educators, and young people to rethink the future of work and learning in Sierra Leone.

In an Abstract, Graduate unemployment has become one of the most pressing development challenges in Sierra Leone. A combination of skills mismatches, “connectorism,” and structural deficiencies in the labor market has created a situation where academic credentials no longer guarantee employment. This article argues for a shift from a certificate-based education system to a demand-driven skills development approach as the most sustainable pathway to enhance graduate employability, stimulate economic growth, and promote national transformation. Through the analysis of current economic realities and successful models, it demonstrates that strategic investment in human capital can transform Sierra Leone’s youth from a development burden into the nation’s greatest asset.

Keen in an Introduction, Sierra Leone stands at a critical turning point. Despite having an increasingly educated youth population, the nation faces a paradox such as high graduate unemployment amid untapped economic opportunities. The dominance of “connectorism” where access to employment is based on personal networks rather than merit which continues to marginalize capable young graduates who lack social or political connections.

To break this cycle, a fundamental reorientation toward skills development is essential. Aligning educational outcomes with market demands will not only reduce unemployment but also build the human capital foundation necessary for Sierra Leone’s economic transformation.

*The Imperative for Skills Development is an essential looking at:*

*a. Bridging the Skills Mismatch:* The root cause of graduate unemployment is not a shortage of jobs, but a disconnect between education and employment needs. Skills development initiatives especially those designed with private-sector input can bridge this gap by equipping graduates with relevant, hands-on expertise in emerging sectors such as ICT, engineering, renewable energy, and agro-processing.

*b. Fostering Entrepreneurship:* A skills-based education system empowers graduates to become job creators rather than job seekers. With competencies in business management, innovation, and digital literacy, graduates can start and manage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that stimulate economic diversification and local employment generation.

*c. Increasing Productivity and Competitiveness* : A skilled workforce drives higher productivity, enhances service delivery, and improves competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. This not only attracts foreign investment but also fuels sustainable economic growth.

*d. Breaking the Cycle of Connectorism:* When merit-based skills become the benchmark for employment, the culture of favoritism and influence gradually weakens. Employers will prioritize ability over affiliation, promoting fairness and efficiency across both public and private sectors.

*e. Promoting Economic Resilience:* In a world of rapid technological change, a workforce with transferable and adaptive skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and digital proficiency ensures long-term stability and readiness for future economic shifts.

*A Collective Responsibility at play*

The transformation toward a skills-based economy demands a collaborative national effort.

*Government:* Provide strategic leadership, invest in training infrastructure, and expand initiatives such as the Skills Development Fund.

*Educational Institutions:* Reform curricula to integrate practical learning, career guidance, and industry linkages.

*Private Sector:* Participate in curriculum co-design, provide internships, and prioritize merit-based hiring.

*Students and Graduates:* Take personal ownership of career growth by engaging in continuous learning and practical exposure.

Conclusively, the shift toward skills development is not a luxury. It is an economic necessity. It offers Sierra Leone a pathway to dismantle the barriers of “connectorism,” empower the youth, and convert human potential into measurable development.

Most importantly investing in skills, Sierra Leone can create a new generation of empowered, innovative, and productive citizens who will drive the nation’s transformation. The future of our economy depends not on the number of graduates we produce, but on the relevance and quality of the skills they possess.
fans

ELEGANCE, UNITY, and VICTORY.🏆
What an incredible night at the 5th Annual Ghandal Forlly Fundraising Dinner and Awards Night! Bhantal IPAM shined brightly as we celebrated the spirit of community and excellence.

We are immensely proud to recognize our talented participants who received special awards:
1. Zainab Sira Bah: Recognized for securing 2nd Position in the Debate Competition.

2. T Jalloh: Recognized for securing 2nd Position in the Public Speaking Competition.

But the celebration didn't stop there.
1. Bhantal IPAM was honored with an award for our active participation in all competition categories (Debate, Public Speaking, and Essay Writing).

2. The Yellow House (Bhantal IPAM, Gikeh Imatt, Fotten follen UCMST) received a Certificate of Recognition for being the overall WINNING HOUSE of the Ghandal Forlly Sports Day.

Thank you to Ghandal Forlly for organizing this memorable event. We are proud to be a driving force in this united community.

SUCCESS at the Ghandal Forlly Sports Day.🏆

Yesterday 22/10/25 was all about fierce, friendly competition and incredible community spirit at the S.S Camp Field, and we have a major win to celebrate.

The Yellow House proudly represented by Bhantal IPAM, Gikeh Imatt College, and Fotten follen UCMST secured the 1st Position and brought home the overall trophy.🏆
This is a powerful demonstration of collaboration and dedication.
Yellow is the color of VICTORY.💛 A massive thanks to everyone who participated and cheered us on! 🎉

The Ghandal Forlly fun continues! Next up: The Dinner and Awards Night on Saturday,25th October . Get your tickets Now before it’s too late.

BHANTAL IPAM SHINES.🏆

Huge congratulations to our incredible participants for their outstanding performance in today’s competition 19th October 2025. We are bursting with pride today.🎉✨

✨ 2nd Place - Debate: Compelling arguments and inspiring conviction.

✨ 2nd Place - Public Speaking: Confidence and eloquence owned the stage.

✨ 4th Place - Essay Writing: Impressive effort on a thought provoking piece.

Though we didn't clinch the top spot, your hard work and dedication have made Bhantal IPAM shine. Thank you for representing us with excellence.🙏 Let's celebrate.🎉

"

Birthday blessings Fatmata ✨️🎊

BHANTAL IPAM University of Sierra Leone celebrates you 🥰✨️