Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has hailed teachers as the true architects of the nation’s future, describing them as the foundation of Sierra Leone’s progress. He made the remarks during the 2025 Presidential National Best Teacher Awards Ceremony held at the University of Makeni on October 4, 2025.

The event, attended by senior government officials, parliamentarians, traditional leaders, and education stakeholders, celebrated teachers for their dedication, hard work, and contribution to nation-building. Representing President Julius Maada Bio, Vice President Jalloh said the government’s education agenda places teachers at the heart of national development.

“Every Sierra Leonean, no matter their background, owes part of their success to a teacher,” he said. “Teachers are not only transmitters of knowledge — they are the builders of our nation.”

He shared a lighthearted personal story about his daughter correcting him at home using what her teacher had taught, emphasizing how deeply teachers influence young minds. “Even when I remind her that I hold a PhD, she insists, ‘But Papa, my teacher said otherwise.’ That’s how powerful teachers are,” he remarked.

The Vice President invited all teachers present to stand and receive a standing ovation from the audience, calling it a well-deserved gesture of appreciation for their service.

He reaffirmed that teachers remain central to President Bio’s Free Quality Education (FQE) Programme — the government’s flagship initiative aimed at transforming the education system. “We have expanded access to education, trained more teachers, improved infrastructure, and supplied learning materials,” he noted. “But none of this is possible without teachers. They are the pillars of learning.”

Dr. Jalloh reminded attendees that the National Best Teacher Award was introduced to recognize educators across the country, from Freetown to the most remote villages, for their outstanding commitment and service. “When we honor our teachers, we honor our nation,” he said. “Where we support them, we secure our future.”

He congratulated past and present award recipients, describing them as role models for their peers and for young Sierra Leoneans aspiring to join the teaching profession. “This award represents every teacher — from the smallest rural classroom to the largest city school — each one plays a vital role in shaping this nation,” he added.

The Vice President urged that appreciation for teachers should go beyond annual ceremonies, encouraging daily recognition of their work in shaping the country’s future leaders.

He emphasized that education has always been a core principle of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) since its founding in 1951. “Our commitment to education is not political theatre,” he said. “It is part of our identity. We will continue to invest every possible resource to ensure that every child, rich or poor, urban or rural, has access to quality education.”

Closing his speech, Dr. Jalloh saluted teachers for their sacrifices and contributions, declaring: “Long live our teachers, long live Sierra Leone, and long live our commitment to education. When you say education, you say SLPP.”