In September 2024, a delegation from the University of Sierra Leone (USL), led by Prof. Kelleh Gbawuru Mansaray, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Fourah Bay College, embarked on a study tour to the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani, Ghana. The visit was part of the “Enhancing Learning Models and Opportunities for University Engineering Education” (ELMO) project, which aims to revolutionize engineering education in Sierra Leone and enhance collaboration across sub-Saharan Africa.
The ELMO Project: A Brief Overview
The ELMO project is a groundbreaking initiative led by Engineers for Change (Sierra Leone) in partnership with USL, Imperial College London, and Leotech. It is supported by a £100,000 grant from the Royal Academy of Engineering under the Higher Education Partnership for Sub-Saharan Africa (HEP SSA) programme. The initiative seeks to ensure that engineering graduates are equipped with the skills and expertise needed to address both local and global challenges, particularly those related to clean water, sanitation (SDG6), affordable energy (SDG7), and gender diversity and inclusion (SDG5).
By adopting a Hub and Spoke Model, with USL as the Hub institution, the project aims to improve problem-based learning by linking students directly with industry. The goal is to prepare graduates with practical knowledge and skills relevant to sectors such as water supply, sanitation, and renewable energy, thereby boosting job offers in these fields.
Day 1: Courtesy Call and Tour of RCEES Facilities
The study tour kicked off with a courtesy call to the management of UENR. Prof. Mansaray and his team were warmly received by the leadership of the university, who expressed their commitment to supporting the ELMO project. The discussion revolved around the strategic objectives of the project and how UENR’s expertise and facilities could play a role in achieving these goals.
Following the meeting, the team toured the Renewable Energy and Climate Change Engineering Studies (RCEES) center at UENR. The state-of-the-art facilities at RCEES, including solar energy systems, biomass research labs, and climate data centers, impressed the delegation. These facilities are at the forefront of research in renewable energy and climate resilience, aligning perfectly with the goals of the ELMO project, particularly its focus on clean energy solutions.
Day 2: Presentations and Knowledge Sharing
On the second day, the delegation participated in a detailed presentation on the ELMO project, highlighting its expected outcomes and potential impacts on engineering education in Sierra Leone. Prof. Mansaray emphasized how the collaboration with UENR and other regional universities, such as Université Cheikh Anta Diop in Senegal and Eastern Technical University in Sierra Leone, would enrich the learning experiences of USL students.
The session also featured discussions on the role of industry partners in providing real-world problems for students to solve through consultancy projects. Representatives from the Guma Valley Water Company, Easy Solar, and PowerGen Renewable Energy shared insights on how industry engagement can help shape the curriculum to meet the needs of the renewable energy and water sectors.
Day 3: Trip to Bui Dam
A major highlight of the tour was a trip to the Bui Dam, one of Ghana’s largest hydroelectric power projects. The visit offered the delegation firsthand experience in how large-scale renewable energy projects operate and the technical challenges involved in maintaining them. For the ELMO team, this was an opportunity to draw parallels between the energy challenges faced in Sierra Leone and Ghana and explore potential solutions that could be adopted in their own context.
The dam, which has been pivotal in providing clean energy to Ghana, serves as a model for what can be achieved through investment in renewable energy infrastructure. The visit reinforced the importance of hands-on learning, which is a key component of the ELMO project.
Strengthening Regional Collaboration
The visit to UENR marked a significant milestone in the ELMO project’s efforts to foster collaboration between universities in sub-Saharan Africa. UENR, with its expertise in renewable energy and climate change, is poised to be a crucial spoke in the network of institutions working under the ELMO framework. The study tour also opened doors for potential student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and the sharing of resources between the participating universities.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Transforming Engineering Education
The ELMO project, with its focus on problem-based learning, industry collaboration, and regional partnerships, is set to transform the landscape of engineering education in Sierra Leone and beyond. The study tour to RCEES at UENR not only strengthened ties between the two institutions but also provided invaluable insights into the practical challenges and solutions in the fields of renewable energy and water supply.
As the ELMO project continues to unfold, its impact on students, industry, and the broader society will be profound. By equipping future engineers with the skills to tackle pressing issues such as clean energy and water supply, the project is contributing directly to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and laying the foundation for a more sustainable future in sub-Saharan Africa.