DUBLIN, Ireland — Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Ireland, Justice Babatunde Edwards, has welcomed a new group of Sierra Leonean professionals selected for the 2026/2027 Ireland-Fellows Programme, urging them to make the most of their academic opportunity and uphold the country’s reputation during their stay.
Eight of the nine selected scholars attended a formal reception at the Sierra Leone Embassy on 15 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, following their arrival in Ireland. The ninth fellow is expected to join the cohort later.
The new intake, comprising five women and four men, will undertake fully funded master’s degree programmes at Irish universities in fields identified as important to Sierra Leone’s development.
Their areas of study include health, climate change, peace and development, global media and communication, and law.
Speaking at the reception on August 31, Ambassador Edwards described the scholars’ selection as an important investment in Sierra Leone’s human capital. He encouraged them to approach their studies with commitment and a strong sense of responsibility.
Representing President Retired Brigadier Julius Maada Bio, Ambassador Edwards told the fellows that their opportunity to study at leading Irish universities came with responsibilities extending beyond their personal academic ambitions.
He reminded them that they would be viewed as representatives of Sierra Leone while in Ireland and urged them to conduct themselves accordingly.
The Ambassador also advised the scholars to familiarise themselves with Irish laws and regulations and encouraged them to engage Embassy officials whenever they require assistance.
He assured the incoming fellows that the Embassy would remain a source of support throughout their stay, describing the diplomatic mission as their “home institution” in Ireland.
Head of Chancery, Tamba Edward Juana, joined the Ambassador in congratulating the scholars, drawing attention to the rigorous and competitive process through which they earned their places on the programme.
The Embassy subsequently conducted an orientation session for the new arrivals, covering aspects of life in Ireland, including culture, weather and expectations within the Irish university system.
Former Ireland-Fellows scholars were also present to share their experiences, offering practical advice to the new cohort as they prepare to begin their postgraduate studies.
Speaking on behalf of the incoming fellows, Abdul Aziz Bah recognised the competitive nature of the selection process and pledged that the group would build on the achievements of previous Sierra Leonean scholars.
He said the new fellows were arriving in Ireland with “high hopes and aspirations” and were determined to represent Sierra Leone positively.
The Ireland-Fellows Programme continues to provide Sierra Leonean professionals with opportunities for advanced education and specialised training in Ireland.
For the 2026/2027 cohort, the year ahead will combine academic study with professional development, with the expectation that the knowledge and skills gained will eventually contribute to Sierra Leone’s development priorities.
Ambassador Edwards’ message to the scholars was clear: the opportunity to study in Ireland is not only a personal achievement but also a responsibility to the country that they represent.