Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has hailed teachers as the backbone of nation-building, describing them as nation builders whose daily commitment shapes the country’s future. He was speaking at the 2025 Presidential National Best Teacher Awards ceremony, held at the University of Makeni on Saturday, October 4, 2025, when he stated: “Every Sierra Leonean, no matter their humble beginnings, can trace their journey back to a teacher,” he said. “Doctors, engineers, farmers, security personnel, business people, and leaders — we were all shaped by teachers. They are not just instructors of knowledge, they are nation builders.” He added that teachers instilled hope, discipline, and character in the formative years of children.
The Vice President called on the audience to recognise the work of teachers by asking all educators present to stand for applause.
“This is testimony to your immense contribution to state-building,” he said. He stressed that teachers and education remained at the centre of President Julius Maada Bio’s development agenda. Highlighting government investments in education, he said: “We have expanded access, we continue to train and equip teachers, we provide learning and teaching materials, and we are improving school infrastructure. But learning can only take place when you have teachers. This is why President Bio initiated the Presidential National Best Teacher Award — to symbolise your value and contribution to our society.”
He reassured teachers of government’s unwavering support: “Our commitment to education is not only unmatched, it is unshakable. Education has been a core belief of the SLPP since its founding in 1951, and we are committed to spending our last cent to ensure that every child, rich or poor, has the opportunity to go to school and secure a decent future.”
He closed by declaring, “Long live our teachers, long live Sierra Leone, and long live our commitment to education. When you say education, you say SLPP.”
