‘Teachers, others brain-drain to Sierra Leone eminent’

Brain-drain of teachers, doctors and other professionals is eminent following Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Allie Kabba’s request for Nigeria’s assistance in areas of energy, education and health.
Kabba, who made the call in Abuja when he visited his Nigerian counterpart, Geoffrey Onyeama, said that the new Sierra Leonean government came into power on the basis of its manifesto and was committed to providing disciplined leadership.
He explained that the provision of quality education was the flagship of the government’s programme and said the government would not let the people down in delivering its mandate.
“We will instill discipline in the leadership and make sure that every child in our country has access to quality education. So, that is why education is the centrepiece.
“In fact, it is the flagship programme of our new government and we are working on that.
“I hope that we can count on the support of Nigeria not just in the area of providing classrooms but also providing the teachers.
“Our joint commission over the years stipulates that trained teachers from Nigeria should be sent to help us.
According to him, the technical assistance will make a big difference as the government moves forward in translating its manifesto into reality.
He said that the administration also takes the health sector very central noting that the country has been trying to rebuild its health infrastructure after its civil war.
“The diagnostic tools are really challenges to us and that is why those who have the means have to come to Nigeria or Ghana
“And, of course they require foreign exchange that is straining on us too and we want to make sure that those diagnostic tools are available locally,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to Nigeria for sending doctors and nurses to assist in the health sector.
“We are very grateful for that, because that is the area we need more help.
“So that those who served their two years are replaced quickly so we don’t create a gap in the health delivery system.

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