Bridging Academia and Industry: ELMO Project Marks a Milestone in Engineering Education

July 23, 2025 Rowland Gordon

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Freetown, Sierra Leone – June 2025

The Enhancing the Learning Model and Opportunities (ELMO) for University Engineering Education (in partnership with Industry, UK and Regional Universities) project, a flagship initiative of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at the University of Sierra Leone (USL), has wrapped up with remarkable success, earning praise from the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE) for its impact on bridging the gap between academia and industry.

Coordinated by Engineers for Change Sierra Leone (EfCSL) and funded under the HEP SSA Programme, ELMO set out to revolutionise engineering education through problem-based learning (PBL), while improving employability, encouraging industry collaboration, and promoting gender inclusion. A core outcome of the ELMO project was the successful trial and institutional development of Problem-Based Learning. Over 80 engineering students in Year 3 and 4 were engaged in industry focused group projects aimed at solving real-world technical challenges in water, sanitation, and energy.

Empowering Learning Through Real-World Challenges
A core outcome of the project was the adoption of a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach, which saw Year 3 and 4 students working on live engineering challenges in energy, water, and sanitation. Over 80 engineering students in Year 3 and 4 were engaged in industry focused group projects aimed at solving real-world technical challenges in water, sanitation, and energy. Some have received provisional job offers thanks to the quality and relevance of their project work. By exposing students to the broader competencies necessary to achieve professional registration, it will provide a flying start to their development as young engineers post-graduation.

“The project has successfully provided opportunities for students and staff to benefit from industry experience, narrowing the gap between academia and industry,” said the RAE’s Anzet du Plessis and the Africa Engineers team in their final review.

A Collective Effort that will help to build Capacity and Capability within the Sierra Leone Engineering Profession.

EfCSL extends sincere thanks to all partners and stakeholders, especially the students, faculty, and industry collaborators who made ELMO a success. This project reflects our shared vision to transform engineering education in Sierra Leone and prepare graduates for the demands of a changing world.

Developed in partnership with academia and industry, the PBL Handbook is set to be piloted in the 2025/26 academic year (subject to USL Senate approval), ensuring the sustainability and scale-up of this innovative teaching model. It represents a major shift in how engineering is taught, making it more practical, collaborative, and market-oriented.

Advancing Gender Inclusion in STEM
ELMO also made a significant push toward gender balance in engineering. From STEM outreach in Makeni and Kenema, to guest lectures and mentorship for female students, the project worked closely with SLIE Women Engineers (SLWE) and EfCSL’s Gender Cluster to inspire the next generation of female engineers.

Collaboration Beyond Borders
Through partnerships with Imperial College London, Université Cheikh Anta Diop (Senegal), University of Energy and Natural Resources (Ghana), and Eastern Technical University Sierra Leone (Kenema), the project hosted two international workshops and promoted knowledge sharing across West Africa and the UK. These collaborations have laid the groundwork for future research and faculty exchange.

Resilience and Impact
Despite encountering challenges, the ELMO team adapted quickly and maintained momentum. While not all targets were met, RAE praised the project for exceeding expectations in many areas and for its commitment to creating lasting change.

“Congratulations on delivering a successful project. The future impact of this work holds immense potential,” noted the Anzet du Plessis and the Africa Engineers team of the Academy.

A Collective Effort
EfCSL extends sincere thanks to all partners and stakeholders, especially the students, faculty, and industry collaborators who made ELMO a success. This project reflects our shared vision to transform engineering education in Sierra Leone and prepare graduates for the demands of a changing world.

Learn more about ELMO or contact us to partner on future projects – Contact EfCSL – Engineers for Change Sierra Leone (EfCSL)