By: Emmanuel Mbowa
The College of Digital Excellence (CODE) has certified 102 of its students including 32 females who have undergone various certificate, diploma, and degree programs in Software Engineering, Computer Applications, Coding, and more.
In her keynote address, First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio congratulated the elated graduates and urged them to become problem-solving ambassadors in Sierra Leone’s digital ecosystem. “We are living in a time of unprecedented digital transformation. Technology is not just changing the way we live; it redefines who we are and what we will become,” she noted.
Recounting Nelson Mandela’s famous quote on education, Dr. Fatima urged the graduates to use the knowledge they have acquired to change Sierra Leone.
“Today, you hold that weapon. Not just in your minds, but in your hands. You are equipped with the tools of digital aid: coding, data science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and more. So, the future of Sierra Leone is anchored in your hands.”
She admonished them that with great power they have received comes great responsibility. “Your role in Sierra Leone’s digital space is crucial. Sierra Leone stands at a crossroads. We face challenges, inequality, and limited access to healthcare and education, but we also stand on the brink of digital business. You are the ones who will build the apps that connect rural communities to us. You will create systems in which many government services will become more transparent and accessible.”
She concluded that Sierra Leone needs more changemakers rather than degree holders. “We need digital literates who understand that technology is not just about innovation; it’s about inclusion, it’s about justice, and dignity. As you step into the world, ask yourselves: What problem will I solve? Whose lives will I improve? What legacy will I leave behind? Because leaving a legacy means you are making a significant contribution from this great initiative that will make Sierra Leone proud.”
Niharika Agnani, Director and Co-Founder of CODE, expressed her excitement to certify their first graduating cohort, as this, she said, marks a milestone not only for their graduates but for Sierra Leone’s digital future.
“We started with the belief that excellence in the digital age is not derived by where you come from, but by how determined you are to learn, create, and lead.” Niharika thanked their staff members for their unwavering commitment to their vision and expressed appreciation to parents who trusted in their institution. She also urged the graduates to use the knowledge they have gained meaningfully, in a way that will bring about change in society.
“Today is your day. You have not just learned new skills; you have learned to persevere, to adapt, and to innovate. Remember, digital excellence is not just about mastering technology; it’s about using it to create meaningful change. Let your knowledge serve as a tool to empower others, to solve real problems, and to build a more inclusive digital future for Sierra Leone.”
Dr. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, was amazed at the growing number of female students in the digital space. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing gender equality, one that will recognise the roles of women in national development. The figure of 32 females out of the 102 graduates, she noted, “is a giant leap.”
“In the next cohort of graduates, I am sure we will surpass 50% because we are all going to work on this,” she said, disclosing that, “through the Ministry, CODE has extended a hand of scholarships to 10 female students. This is because they believe it’s human capital development, and we believe that once you develop that particular segment of the country, you can make the change.”
Elated graduates shared their joy at having gone through CODE.
Rebecca Gbla – BCA in Software Engineering.
“At the College of Digital Excellence, we didn’t just learn about circuits, codes, and systems; we learned resilience what it meant to fail, to adapt, and to rewrite, but stronger. We also learned Software Engineering is not just about building programs, but about solutions and possibilities. So, let us go out there and light up the industries, our communities, and the world with our skills and passion that we have built from here.”
Alpha A. Kamara – BA in Computer Applications, Hons. in Infrastructure Management (BCA)
“Fellow graduates, our journey begins today. What matters most is not what we have learned, but how we will use it to make a difference. The world is moving quickly, and Sierra Leone needs builders and not dreamers; people who will turn challenges into opportunities. Let us be a generation that builds opportunities, not just talks about them; brings solutions, not excuses; and lives with integrity, innovation, and compassion.”
The College of Digital Excellence started operations in 2021 as the first educational project of the Choithram Group in Sierra Leone. It prides itself as the digital hub which empowers the minds of Sierra Leone’s future leaders with digital skills that open doors for innovation, creativity, and opportunities. With this initiative, the First Lady is confident in Sierra Leone’s digital transformation; thus, emphasizing the government’s commitment to strengthening public-private partnerships, an approach she believes will reclaim Sierra Leone’s academic standing.
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