Sengeh Launches Teacher License Card, Awards Over Le100m to Best Teachers
In celebration of World Teachers’ Day on Monday, October 5, 2026, Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, launched the national Teacher License Card and awarded over Le100 million in cash prizes to top educators during a ceremony in Kenema.
Representing President Julius Maada Bio, Dr. Sengeh introduced the new licensing framework to establish clear standards, elevate professional status, and ensure quality assurance across the nation's education system.
The event also marked the sixth annual Presidential National Best Teachers Award, celebrating outstanding contributions to classroom instruction and school leadership.
Three premier awards were presented to key educators: Daniel Ellie was honored as Best School Head, Maligie Thomas Bamba received the Best Primary School Teacher award, and Teddy Wisdom Kanu was named Best Secondary School Teacher.
Together, the three national honorees shared over Le100 million in monetary awards in recognition of their dedication and impact.
Reflecting on the government's ongoing commitments, Dr. Sengeh noted that President Bio first pledged in 2018 to elevate the teaching profession, leading to the inaugural national awards in 2021 when Sengeh served as Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education.
Highlighting broader educational progress, the Chief Minister outlined key accomplishments, including the recruitment of over 12,000 new teachers and specialized training for more than 30,000 educators nationwide.
In addition to professional development, teacher salaries have increased by 75 percent alongside updated codes of conduct and regulatory policies designed to safeguard and empower educators.
Reaffirming long-term support for students and teachers alike, Dr. Sengeh confirmed that the flagship Free Quality School Education programme remains fully funded and will continue well past 2028.
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