Biography
Ing. Mohamed Allieu Jalloh, P.Eng., FSLIE, COR is a distinguished mechanical engineer, educator, and administrator whose career has significantly shaped engineering and technical and vocational education in Sierra Leone.
Born in Lungi, Ing. Jalloh later moved to Koidu, where he began his education at the Islamic Primary School before attending Koidu Secondary School. Following a year at the Boys’ Secondary School in Magburaka, he enrolled at Fourah Bay College (FBC), University of Sierra Leone, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering.
He began his professional career as a lecturer at his alma mater before joining the then Ministry of Energy and Power (MEP) as a Pupil Engineer. During his time at the Ministry, he gained extensive professional experience and travelled widely on official assignments. He also served as Secretary General of the Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers, a role that exposed him to international engineering networks and strengthened his interest in engineering and technical education through the Commonwealth engineering community.
While serving at the Ministry of Energy and Power, Ing. Jalloh developed the concept note that facilitated the conversion of a Japanese rural water project into a power generation project during a period when Sierra Leone faced severe electricity challenges and significant funding constraints.
Driven by his passion for education, he accepted an appointment as Principal of the then Freetown Technical Institute (FTI), despite being younger than the customary age requirement for the position. Under his leadership, the institution recorded significant growth and innovation. Among his notable achievements was the introduction of the Preliminary Engineering Programme, which created opportunities for students from arts backgrounds to pursue engineering studies. Many graduates of this programme have since become accomplished engineers, academics, and professionals across the world.
Recognising the shortage of engineering lecturers at FTI, Ing. Jalloh successfully engaged the Nigerian High Commission through the then High Commissioner, Abu Bakar, to secure experienced engineering lecturers for the institution. Their contribution revitalised engineering education at FTI, expanded academic programmes, including Architectural Technology, strengthened the institution’s consultancy culture, and supported the introduction of the Higher Diploma in Engineering, providing students with valuable work-and-study pathways.
In 2001, under the higher education reforms spearheaded by Professor Alpha T. Wurie, Sierra Leone established the Polytechnics, the National Council for Technical, Vocational and Other Academic Awards (NCTVA), and the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). Ing. Jalloh was appointed the Founding Director of the NCTVA, where he has provided visionary leadership for more than two decades in advancing quality assurance, accreditation, and standards in technical and vocational education.
Throughout his career, Ing. Jalloh has represented Sierra Leone internationally, travelling to more than 62 countries, including the Philippines, Cyprus, Burundi, England, Italy, Senegal, the United States, and many others. He has participated in numerous specialised training programmes at institutions such as the International School of Solar Energy in Italy, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) School in Dakar, the University of the Philippines, South Bank Polytechnic in London, the University of Aberdeen, and the University of Pennsylvania. He takes particular pride in having studied at an Ivy League institution under the tutelage of a Nobel Laureate.
His professional development also includes consultancy training with the internationally renowned engineering firm Ove Arup & Partners in the United Kingdom.
At the NCTVA, Ing. Jalloh played an active role in several continental and international initiatives, including UNESCO’s African Technology Studies Project led by the late Professor George Massaquoi. He was also one of only two African experts, alongside Dr. Munganjaga of Zimbabwe, who worked behind the scenes to encourage international development partners to invest more substantially in technical and vocational education across Africa.
In addition to his executive responsibilities, he has served on the Boards, Senates, and Courts of several higher education institutions in Sierra Leone, earning respect for his collaborative leadership and strong relationships with institutional stakeholders.
In recent years, Ing. Jalloh has championed the development of Sierra Leone’s National Qualifications Framework (TVET Strand), representing the country in the African Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF) initiative. Under his leadership, staff of the Council have participated in numerous international engagements, while the institution has successfully hosted major regional workshops to advance technical and vocational education.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ing. Jalloh is known for his humility, generosity, and open-door leadership style. His willingness to mentor colleagues, support students, and build lasting professional relationships has earned him widespread admiration throughout the education sector.
As he concludes his tenure as Founding Director of the National Council for Technical, Vocational and Other Academic Awards, Ing. Jalloh looks forward to contributing to national development through agriculture and engineering consultancy. He also remains committed to maintaining lifelong relationships, including plans to visit The Gambia to pay tribute to the family of his late primary school headmaster, Elhaj Mohamed El Hagiz Fye.
Ing. Mohamed Allieu Jalloh is married to Hussainatu Jalloh, and together they are blessed with five children—three sons and two daughters.
