Ministry Of Technical and Higher Education

Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie serves as Sierra Leone’s Minister of Technical and Higher Education, bringing a distinguished record in academia, policy, and research to the advancement of the country’s education sector. Prior to her appointment, she was a Senior Lecturer and multi-disciplinary researcher at the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, where she championed evidence-based systems strengthening and institutional research capacity building.

Dr. Wurie holds a PhD in Medicine from Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, UK, a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Wolverhampton, a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biochemistry from the University of Liverpool, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Management Policy and Planning from the University of Leeds. Her academic trajectory reflects a commitment to excellence and a passion for national development.

As Principal Investigator on several health systems strengthening projects, Dr. Wurie has generated research that informs policy and donor strategies with a focus on national ownership, equity, and inclusive development. Her contributions have earned her international recognition, including invitations to serve on two Lancet Commissions and selection as a Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Fellow.

Dr. Wurie brings visionary leadership to the Ministry, where she is focused on expanding access to quality higher education, promoting innovation, and aligning education systems with national development priorities. A lifelong learner herself, she is dedicated to driving reforms rooted in equity, collaboration, and sustainability to shape a brighter educational future for all Sierra Leoneans.