Makeni, 6th October, 2025 – World Teachers’ Day was marked over the weekend at a well-attended event in Makeni, Northern Sierra Leone. But the echoes of celebration continue to reverberate across the country. The Presidential National Best Teachers Awards staged on the eve of the global observance was more than a ceremony; it was a national affirmation of the transformative power of education.
Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, who attended the event, described teachers as “the architects of our future,” praising their role in shaping young minds and fostering democratic values. “Honoring our teachers is not symbolic, it’s strategic,” he said. “Education remains the cornerstone of our national development.”
The awards, organized by the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and the Teaching Service Commission, brought together thirteen regional finalists, each having triumphed through district and regional rounds. From this elite group, six advanced to the final stage, culminating in the crowning of Mr. James Idriss Bangura and Mr. Hassan Turay, both from the Western Area Rural District, as the Presidential Best Teachers of 2025.
Each winner received NLe 60,000, but the true reward, as Minister Conrad Sackey noted, was national recognition. “These educators are the shining stars of our nation,” Sackey said. “Their innovation and dedication reflect the brilliance thriving in our classrooms.”
The ceremony was a vivid reminder of President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to Free Quality Education, with teacher recognition forming a key pillar of the initiative. By investing in educators, the government aims to elevate learning outcomes and inspire future generations.
“This is not just about two winners,” said a senior official from the Teaching Service Commission. “It’s about every teacher in every village, every school, every classroom. This award belongs to all of them.”
As the country moves forward, the Ministry has pledged continued support for teacher training, professional development and recognition programs.
