Meet Sierra Leone’s most recent PhD scholars from PR China

In paragraph 43 of President Koroma’s statement during the State Opening of Parliament in 2010, he spoke of the desire to reclaim Sierra Leone’s heritage of learning and excellence and “transform this country through the quality of our education. This, he said was what was contained in the Agenda for Change “we set out to improve access to education, raise the completion rate and improve the quality of education (Ernest Korma 2010). The Agenda for Change has done pretty well, in terms of meeting the educational requirement of our country, in an effort to improve on the nation’s human resource output.  (Photo: John Baimba Sesay, IA – Beijing, China)

In this direction, China has been a strategic partner in addressing Sierra Leone’s human resource aspect, through the granting of scholarships to deserving Sierra Leoneans to study in prestigious Chinese Universities and this has been happening since both China and Sierra Leone entered into diplomatic relations in 1971. Let me attempt to give statistics here; in 2011/2012, a total of 26 Sierra Leonean students arrived in the People’s Republic of China for different courses of which, 7 were females and 19 male students. Since 1971 to date, a total of 950 Sierra Leoneans have graduated from different fields of studies from Chinese Universities. At present, there are 110 Sierra Leonean students studying in China (36 undergraduate students and 74 post graduates.)  Of these numbers, we have now got two Sierra Leoneans who have completed their Doctoral courses, one in Industrial Economics and the other in Contemporary International Relations. They are Desmond Abdul Conteh (Ph.D) and Patrick Brima Kapuwa (Ph.D).

I approached both of them to know their areas of specialization, how they both hope to use their knowledge acquired, towards Sierra Leone’s development, also taking me through their  ordeals, reading here in China, especially in terms of government support and their  general expectations with their  determination to go back home.

Desmond Abdul Conteh should be returning home with a Ph.D in Industrial Economics from the University of International Business and Economics in the school of International Trade and Economics, PR China. Here is an interview I had with him:

Q: What is your area of specialization?

A: My area of specialization is industrial Economics at the Ph.D level a course of studies that lasted for four years from September 2008 to May 2012 at the University of International Business and Economics in the school of International Trade and Economics. I was a student on study leave from Milton Margai College of Education and Technology and I must commend my principal Dr. Dennis Kargbo and also my Dean of campus Mr. Umaru Bundu and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology for their support.

How do you hope to use knowledge acquired toward your country’s development?

It is honor for me and payback time, by going home to diligently serve. His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma has made Sierra Leoneans proud today, as the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is growing at 35.9% according to International statistics from the IMF and World Bank. This in itself is a driving force for me to go home and to continue from where I left and also give my support to the Agenda for Change. As a Senior Lecture on Study leave from  the Milton Margai College of Education and Technology it is incumbent and rationally absolute for me to contribute meaningfully towards rebranding our country and also support in developing our human resource sector.  My field of study- Industrial Economics is current and dynamic and motivational for developing countries, a current development practice of newly industrialized countries, which developed nations have used to optimize their growth. Hence the race to the top has always been the first mover comparative and competitive advantage over developing countries especially when trade is a viable option.

The “Agenda for Change” which is now the ‘bible’ for Sierra Leone’s development aspiration, is a core as related to my area of studies.  In my Ph.D Thesis I focused on “The Effects of Increasing Labor Cost in Developing Countries and its Impact on International Trade” and it was concluded that growing labor cost presents both developing and developed countries unique opportunity for domestic market to expand and reduce the heavy dependent on foreign market. I am optimistic of the fact that the classroom authorities, policy makers and planners will benefit from this human investment and together we will contribute pleasantly towards national development and the economic growth of Sierra Leone. Today, China is the miracle of developing countries, besides being the worlds’ most populated country; it is the second largest economy in the world and more importantly the manufacturing hub of the world and the market for Sierra Leone. My knowledge acquired here will be used judiciously for the good of my country.   Sierra Leone, as a developing country needs to turn some pages of China’s development lesson although no two countries have the same model of development.

What was your experience, reading here in China, especially in terms of Sierra Leone’s government support to you and other students?

I was  directly involved in student’s affairs as the first duly elected Vice President of the Sierra Leone Students’ Union in China in 2008, and that was amidst increase in the student roll in China. It was imperative on me to seek students’ affairs. We do expect asymmetry in the power play and characterization of students coming to study in China. The issue of harmonization of students’ list from the Ministry of Education is still a nightmare. I must commend government for increasing the Sierra Leone grant in –aid .May I, however suggest that the Ministry of Education directly coordinates and suggests to other ministries to allocate budget for those students coming from ministries outside that of education who are not direct beneficiaries of the budget allocation from the ministry of Education. For those coming from educational institutions in Sierra Leone i.e. government assisted, I suggest they receive half a loaf from the Ministry of Education and they should, in return go and serve, after studies.  If we should expand and consolidate our growth potentials in Sierra Leone we should endeavor to keep teachers in the classroom.

What are you general expectations?

I am motivated by the fact that there is one Sierra Leone in the world and this country needs me more than any other place on earth. As an added number to the existing Doctorate holders in the country, society will expect me to serve her diligently. Whilst I look up to doing that, I expect support for my effort. I do not expect a bed of roses, but if given the opportunity to serve I will complement others. And together we will develop our country.

Patrick Brima Kapuwa is another Sierra Leonean with a most recent Ph.D in Contemporary International Relations from Jilin University, China.  I also spoke with him on his experience, expectations and areas of specialization

Q: What is your area of qualification/specialization?

A: I started off my scholarly journey from the liberal Arts with my Bachelors and Masters from the University of Sierra Leone and Njala University, before I switched over to the social sciences. I currently hold a PhD degree in Contemporary International Relations from the Institute of International Studies, Jilin University China. My research interest and specializations include but are not limited to: Peace, Conflict and Security Studies, China-US-Africa Relations, Foreign Policy, Global Governance and Diplomacy, International Relations Theories and Organizations, Comparative Politics, East Asian and Pacific Studies.

With this latest academic credential, how can that help Sierra Leone?

Acquired knowledge in academia will remain incomplete if the purported gaps between its actualization and constraints remain wide. As an emerging scholar, I will refuse the scholarly axiom and actors who have refused to contribute on allegations of policy setbacks. I believe and posit that Africa and by extension Sierra Leone’s ultimate path in actualizing the flowery economic decorations/projections by the IMF and World Bank rests with us academics. Researches with their attendant contemporary usefulness unquestionably are our saving grace. Where there exist policy lethargy and lack of resources from state authorities, we the third generation scholars, ought to attempt unsolicited researches with a development focus so as to attract state support. As a young professional or scholar, I needn’t join the usual defeatist attitude, but will maintain a positive outlook by been a rational choice theorist. Every action should be viewed rational as long as Sierra Leone its cost and benefit analysis in enhancing national growth and development.

How was it like, studying in China, especially in terms of government support?

Student life in China generally is okay except the punctuated nostalgia. Of great significance is the personal tutorials and mentoring I endured because of language and other cultural variations. The Sierra Leone government through its officials at the Embassy constitutes a big family for which, I remain indebted to them for their openness in handling student matters. The biggest problem however has been the issue of the so-called “back-door” students where the majority of us did not benefit from Sierra Leone Government allowances. Solving this problem answers all other questions elation to student-government relationship and experiences in China.

You must be expecting so much after graduating with a Ph.D .Right?

Students usually expect big time employment upon graduation. While I am no exception to it, I however believe that both my professional and academic qualifications in my outlined research areas and specializations makes me ripe for shaken in giving my best to my would -be employers. I am looking forward to an accommodating job market.

Endnote by writer: The government and people of Sierra Leone have continued to make outstanding progress in all sphere of growth.  The phenomenal pace at which the country is moving is just too exceptional. The country has continued to receive international laurels for her commitment to growth.

This latest development in our nation’s human resource sphere shows that, Sierra Leone, as a country has got the potentials when it comes to her development needs. And it is expected that with their latest educational credentials, these two young Sierra Leoneans will do their best to support the socioeconomic and other development needs of the country. And to Dr. Desmond Conteh, your suggestion that teachers be catered for is well in place and it is with this in mind, that  I  draw your attention to what President Koroma said in 2010, during State Opening of Parliament that, his “government is also establishing a Teacher Service Commission to ensure the effective management of the noble profession…” (President Koroma 2010). It shows that he is committed to not just catering for Teachers but for all Sierra Leoneans.

 I must also join their family members in commending Desmond Conteh and Patrick Brima Kapuwa on their latest achievement. Go now and give your best to your country.

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