Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie has a journey marked by unwavering dedication to advancing education in Sierra Leone. Prior to her appointment as the Minister of Technical and Higher Education by President Rtd. Brig. Dr. Julius Maada Bio, she served as a Senior Lecturer and multi-disciplinary researcher at the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, with a decade of lectureship experience, focusing on capacity building and evidence-informed systems strengthening for national development.
Academic Excellence: Dr. Wurie's academic journey reflects her passion for knowledge. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biochemistry from the University of Liverpool, UK, and has pursued advanced studies, earning a Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Wolverhampton, UK, a PhD in Medicine from Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, UK, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Management Policy and Planning from the University of Leeds, UK. These achievements equip her with the knowledge, transferable skills, and expertise necessary to make a lasting impact on education in Sierra Leone.
Research and Impact: As a multi-disciplinary researcher, Dr. Wurie has served as the Principal Investigator for several health systems strengthening projects addressing global health and national development agendas. Her research generates critical evidence to inform policies and donor strategies, emphasizing national ownership and leadership while promoting collaboration and inclusivity at all levels. Dr. Wurie has been instrumental in sustainable institutional research capacity building at the University of Sierra Leone, fostering a research culture among students and faculty members.
Global Recognition: Dr. Wurie's contributions have garnered global recognition. She was invited to contribute to two Lancet Commissions-the "Gender Equity, Norms, and Health Series" in 2019 and the "Lancet Global Health Commission on financing primary health care: putting people at the center" in 2022. Additionally, she was selected as a Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Fellow, reflecting her commitment to exemplary leadership and nurturing the next generation of leaders in developmental fields.
Leadership and Vision: As the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and visionary leadership to her role. Her mission is to advance education, foster innovation, and ensure quality higher education for all Sierra Leoneans. She is dedicated to driving positive change in the education system, aligning it with national needs, and promoting inclusive, evidence-based policies.
Visionary Education Leadership and Lifelong Learning: Driven by a visionary commitment, Dr. Wurie aims to revolutionize Sierra Leone's education sector, applying her wealth of expertise and dedication, rooted in principles of national ownership, collaboration, and leadership development. Dr. Wurie, considering herself a lifelong learner, is committed to passionately addressing educational challenges with a holistic perspective, prioritizing equity, inclusivity, and quality, and championing transformative policies benefiting all segments of society. She envisions an empowered educational landscape and a brighter future for all Sierra Leoneans. Her dedication to education, complemented by her roles as a wife and mother, reflects her unwavering commitment to shaping a brighter future for Sierra Leone and its citizens.