The National Communications Authority (NatCA) On Thursday, 11th June 2026, hosted the Faculty of Information Systems & Technology, IPAM–University of Sierra Leone, at the NatCA Tower under the theme “Taking the Sector to the Students.” The engagement formed part of NatCA’s commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry by exposing students to practical experiences, emerging technologies, and career opportunities within Sierra Leone’s growing ICT sector.
The seminar was attended by the Director General of NatCA, Mr. Amara Brewah, members of the Authority’s Senior Management Team, Professor Ezekiel Duramy-Lakoh, Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone, Dr. Oludolapo O. Akinyosoye-Gbonda, Dean of the Faculty of Information Systems & Technology, five faculty lecturers, and over 160 qualifying and final-year students. In his welcome remarks, Mr. Brewah applauded the initiative and reflected on his own academic journey as an ICT student. He emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between academia and industry and encouraged students to deepen their understanding of the communications sector, particularly the growing significance of data usage in today’s digital economy. He further urged participants to serve as ambassadors of digital awareness by sharing their knowledge and experiences with others.
The seminar featured presentations and panel discussions moderated by Mr. Aloysious B. Ansumana, Senior Manager, Corporate and Industry Affairs Department at NatCA. Industry experts from NatCA, Africell Sierra Leone, Orange Sierra Leone, QCell, Zoodlabs, LEONECOM, Zenith Bank, and the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NC3) shared valuable insights on telecommunications regulation, digital infrastructure, network engineering, cybersecurity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and career development in the ICT sector.
Students actively participated in interactive discussions and engaged speakers through thought-provoking questions on career pathways, emerging technologies, professional growth, and the future of work in the digital age. The engagement provided participants with a clearer understanding of industry expectations and the skills required to succeed in an increasingly competitive ICT environment. A key takeaway from the seminar was the consensus among industry leaders that academic qualifications alone are no longer sufficient for success in the modern workplace. Students were encouraged to complement their degrees with creativity, innovation, problem-solving abilities, professional certifications, internships, networking opportunities, and continuous self-development. Speakers emphasized that the ICT industry rewards individuals who can translate knowledge into practical solutions and adapt to rapidly evolving technological trends.
The engagement further strengthened collaboration between academia and industry while inspiring students to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and future leaders in Sierra Leone’s digital transformation journey. Participants left with a deeper appreciation of the opportunities available within the ICT sector and a renewed commitment to acquiring the skills and competencies needed to thrive in the corporate world. The Faculty of Information Systems & Technology expressed profound appreciation to the Director General of NatCA, Mr. Amara Brewah, and the Authority for their hospitality, commitment to youth empowerment, and dedication to knowledge sharing.
NatCA… Connecting the Future.
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