حلحلآ‏»­

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Team

Dr Saidu Challey
Associate Professor & Dean, School of Education

Dr. Saidu Challay

Associate Professor & Dean, School of Education

Dean, School of Education

حلحلآ‏»­ University, Bo Campus

May 2022 - Present

24+
Years Teaching Experience
15+
Administrative Positions
20+
Professional Activities
25+
University Committees

Educational Background

Ph.D. in Linguistics
2007 - 2011
حلحلآ‏»­ University, Sierra Leone
M.A. in Applied Linguistics
1999 - 2000
University of Reading, England, United Kingdom
B.A. Ed. (Linguistics/Literature)
1991 - 1996
حلحلآ‏»­ University College/University of Sierra Leone

Teaching & Professional Experience

Associate Professor
4 June 2021 - Present
حلحلآ‏»­ University
Senior Lecturer
1 September 2016 - 3 June 2021
حلحلآ‏»­ University
Lecturer I
1 September 2007 - 31 August 2016
حلحلآ‏»­ University
Lecturer II
11 October 2000 - 31 August 2007
حلحلآ‏»­ University

Administrative Experience

Dean, School of Education
24 May 2022 - Present
حلحلآ‏»­ University, Bo Campus
Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor
21 June 2018 - 6 February 2020
حلحلآ‏»­ University, Bo Campus
Acting Dean, School of Education
1 August 2018 - 6 February 2020
حلحلآ‏»­ University, Bo Campus
Acting Head, Institute of Languages and Cultural Studies
1 October 2015 - 21 June 2018
حلحلآ‏»­ University, Bo Campus
Acting Head, Languages Unit
28 March 2008 - 30 September 2015
Institute of Languages and Cultural Studies, حلحلآ‏»­ University, Bo Campus

Professional Activities

Leadership in Professional Organizations

Board Chairman - The Association of Language and Literacy Educators – Reading Sierra Leone (TALLE-RSL)
1 April 2019 - 1 January 2023
Vice President - Academic Staff Association, حلحلآ‏»­ University
March 2016 - June 2018
Chairman - Campus Working Committee, Academic Staff Association
2013 - 2015
حلحلآ‏»­ University, Bo Campus
Secretary General - Academic Staff Association
2006 - 2012
حلحلآ‏»­ University, Bo Campus
Secretary General - Academic Staff Association
2002 - 2005
حلحلآ‏»­ University College/University of Sierra Leone

Editorial & Review Activities

Guest Editor - Open Journal of Modern Linguistics
19 March 2025 - Present
A Scholarly Peer-Reviewed Open Access Journal

Recent Review Work (2025)

• Journal of African Education and Traditional Learning Systems - Reviewed articles on curriculum transformations and TVET implementation

• Adonis and Abbey Publishers - Multiple peer reviews for educational research articles

Book Manuscript Reviewer
March 2022
"English Language Usage for Schools and Colleges" by Samuel Tamba
Published by Sierra Leone Writers Series
Tertiary Education Commission Expert
2020
Assessment/Monitoring/Audit of Curriculum Documents for upgrading Eastern Polytechnic and Milton Margai College to Technical University status
Program Reviewer - B.A. in Chinese Language Programme
2019
Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone
Module Reviewer - Higher Teachers Certificate (Secondary) Programme
2010
Reviewed modules in: Hulimba (Modules 1-6), Language Arts (Modules 1-6), Religious and Moral Education (Modules 1-6), Krio (Modules 1-6), Education (Modules 1-6)
Assessed adequacy of content, topic sequencing, language clarity, and learning outcomes
Journal Reviewer
2015-2016
International Journal of Education, Science and Technology - Eastern Polytechnic, Kenema

University & Public Service

Current University Committees

Senate Representative to Court
29 April 2025 - Present
Chairman, حلحلآ‏»­ University Affiliation Committee
2023 - Present
University Public Orator
2022 - Present
(Performing role since 2022)

Past University Service

Member, Court
June 2018 - February 2020
حلحلآ‏»­ University
Member, Senate
September 2015 - February 2020
حلحلآ‏»­ University
Member, University Coordinating Committee
2018 - 2020
Member, Appointment and Promotions Committee
2018 - 2020
Assistant Marshal, University Congregation
2006 - 2014

Investigation Committee Memberships

Chairman, Investigation Committee
2014
Investigation of Mr. Brima Tarawallie for alleged lack of in-depth mastery of basic concepts and principles of the French Language and poor tutor/students' interaction
Member, Investigation Committee
2013
Investigation of academic dishonesty case involving exchange of money for promotion
Member, Investigation Committee
2012
Investigation of the conduct of Mr. Samuel Joseph Bebeley, staff in the Department of Human Kinetics

Academic Coordination Roles

Departmental Coordinator
2002 - 2007
Teaching Practice and Projects
Member, Senate Sub Committee for Affiliated Institutions
2013 - 2018
School of Education Representative to Senate
2007 - 2010

External Professional Appointments

Current External Roles

Member, Scoring Sub-Committee
4 October 2024 - Present
Central University
Member, Board of Governors
1 September 2024 - Present
Christ the King College Senior Secondary School, Bo
Member, West African Examinations Council Committees
August 2018 - Present
Chairman, Parish Pastoral Council
January 2019 - Present
St. Pius X Parish, Njaboima, Bo
External Examiner
November 2022 - Present
Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology
External Examiner
September 2022 - Present
Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone
Member, Board of Governors
2020 - 2023
Creative Crafts Education Centre, Bo
Chairman, Board of Governors
2017 - 2019
St. Pius Junior Secondary School, Bo
Member, Board of Governors
2013 - 2015
Sambagins International Academy of Science and Technology

Past External Appointments

Commissioner
August 2018 - February 2020
Sierra Leone Teaching Service Commission
Examiner
December 2016 - December 2018
International English Language Testing System (IELTS), British Council, Accra
External Examiner in Linguistics, English Language and Hulimba
2007 - 2019
Eastern Polytechnic, Northern Polytechnic, and Milton Margai College of Education and Technology
Chief External Examiner
2001 - 2003
Teachers Certificate & Higher Teachers Certificate - Language Arts
National Council for Technical and other Vocational Awards (NCTVA)

Consulting & Development Work

Major Projects & Consultancies

Lead Writer - Sierra Leone Education Sector Plan 2022-2026
September - December 2021
"Learning for All" - Team Leader for Secondary Education Sector
Team Leader/Workshop Manager
July - December 2017
Revitalizing Educational Development in Sierra Leone (REDiSL) Project
Joint implementation by TALLE-SL and Canadian Organization for Development of Education (CODE)
National Consultant (English Language)
September - December 2017
National Curriculum Materials Development for Senior Secondary Schools
Developed exercises and reading passages for English Language materials
National Consultant and Lead Writer
August - November 2016
Secondary School Education Improvement Programme (SSEIP) Project
Writing Language Arts Lesson Plan Manuals

Training & Development Work

Professional Development Contributions

Facilitator/Resource Person
15 - 19 November 2021
Teaching Service Commission - Development of Test Items for Teacher Licensing Examination on Professional Standards
Training Manual Development
2014
Training Manual for Literacy Volunteers
Co-authored with Kanu, A. S., Gbla, A. B., Biro, M., Kallon, J., Fornah, D. P. R., Kanu, F.B. Kanu, A. K., Combey, A.S., & Fomba, A.
TALLE Reading Sierra Leone in Collaboration with World Vision

Professional Summary

Dr. Saidu Challay brings over 24 years of distinguished academic and administrative leadership in higher education. His extensive experience spans linguistics research, educational administration, and curriculum development. With leadership roles in numerous professional organizations and extensive consulting work, he has demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing language education, teacher training, and institutional development in Sierra Leone and the West African region.

Dr Saidu Challey
Contact Info
+232 76 428 532
+232 99 404 339
+232 31 622 633
Education
PhD Linguistics, 2007 – 2011, حلحلآ‏»­ University

Research & Publications

Dr. S. Challay

18

Journal Articles

4

Published Books

2

Conference Papers

7

Years Active (2015-2025)

Refereed Journal Articles

2025 Publications

Sheriff, A. B., Stevens, J. P., Challay, S. & Thulla, P. F. Y. (2025). A Sociolinguistic Study of Home Language Influence on English Language Proficiency in Mende and Kأ themne Regions. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology. 10(7), 2829-2843.
ISSN: 2456-2165
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jul1566
Keski-Mأ¤enpأ¤أ¤, K & Challay, S. (2025). Experiences of Sierra Leonean Teacher Trainers in Conducting Action Research. Journal of African Education and Traditional Learning Systems (JAETLS) 6(2), 45-66.
E-ISSN 2633-2930 (Online); ISSN 2633-2922 (Print)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31920/2633-2930/2025/v6n2a3
Stevens, J. P., Challay, S., & Thulla, P. F. Y. (2025). Improving oral English fluency in senior secondary ESL learners of multilingual backgrounds in southern Sierra Leone. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research. 12(4), 243-277.
ISSN: 2349-5162
Sei, B. A. & Challay, S. (2025). Implementation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Bo City: Challenges and Prospects. Sumerianz Journal of Education, Linguistics and Literature. 8(1), 1-10.
ISSN(e): 2617-1201; ISSN(p): 2617-1732
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47752/sjell.8.1.1.10
Libbie, J. K. L., Challay, S., Mbavai, J. J. & Senesie, S. M. B. (2025). Impact of the use of the Lesson Plan Manual on the Academic Performance of JSS Pupils in Language Arts in Southern Sierra Leone. Sumerianz Journal of Education, Linguistics and Literature. 8(1), 11-20.
ISSN(e): 2617-1201; ISSN(p): 2617-1732
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47752/sjell.8.11.20

2023 Publications

Stevens, J. P., Challay, S., & Thulla, P. F. Y. (2023). Enhancing English Oral Fluency: A Study of Sierra Leone's Senior Secondary Students. Journal of English Language Teaching and Learning. 4(2), 28-41.
E-ISSN: 2723-617X
Available online at: http://jim.teknokrat.ac.id/index.php/english-language-teaching/index
Libbie, J. K. L., Challay, S. & Dimoh, C. A. (2023). An Analysis of the Grammatical Errors in the Written English Compositions of JSS 1 Pupils in Five Junior Secondary Schools in Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone. International Journal of Linguistics. 15(2), 66-81.
ISSN: 1948-5425
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5296/ijl.v15i2.20910

2022 Publications

Challay, S. & Kanneh, V. S. (2022). Grammatical Errors in the Expository Essays of Public Health Students of حلحلآ‏»­ University. International Journal of Linguistics. 14(1), 11-26.
ISSN: 1948-5425
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5296/ijl.v14i1.19470

2021 Publications

Challay, S. & Kanneh, V. S. (2021). Teachers' Perceptions Towards the Usefulness of Lesson Plan Manuals in the Teaching of Language Arts at the Junior Secondary School Level. International Journal of Applied Linguistics & English Literature. 10(6), 93-97.
E-ISSN 2200-3592 & P-ISSN 2200-3452
DOI: http://dx.doi.org10.7575/aiac.ijalel.v.10n.6p.93

2020 Publications

Jones, H. Y. & Challay, S. (2020). Subject-Verb Agreement Errors in the Written Essays of Diploma Students at حلحلآ‏»­ University. Research Journal of English Language and Literature. 8(1), 340-350.
ISSN: 2395-2636
DOI: 10.33329/rjelal.8.1.340
Jones, H. Y., Challay, S. & Muffuh, P. M. (2020). Factors Militating Against the Effective Teaching and Learning of Krio at the Junior Secondary School Level. A Case Study of Three Schools in the Western Area of Freetown, Sierra Leone. International Journal Online of Humanities. 6(1).
ISSN: 2395-5155
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24113/ijohmn.v6i1.161

Earlier Publications (2015-2019)

Challay, S. & Jones, H. Y. (2019). A Study of the Errors in the use of Capitalisation among Junior Secondary School Pupils in Bo District. International Journal of Social Sciences and Management. 6(4), 90-96.
ISSN: 2091-2986
DOI: 10.3126/ijssm.v6i4.26222
Momoh, K. G., Musa, R. M., & Challay, S. (2018). Risk Communication in the Healthcare Sector: A Case Study of Risk Communication among the Doctors, Nurses and Patients in Kenema Government Hospital in Sierra Leone. International Journal of Advanced Research and Publications. 2(9), 81-89.
ISSN: 2456-9992
Musa, R. M., Massaquoi, S. B. & Challay, S. (2018). Assessing the Level of Awareness and Involvement of Farmers in Agricultural Programmes Implemented in Luawa Chiefdom, Kailahun District, Eastern Sierra Leone. International Journal of Advanced Research and Publications. 2(9), 90-96.
ISSN: 2456-9992
Challay, S. (2017). Tense System in Hulimba. International Journal of English Language, Literature and Humanities. 5(4), 358-384.
ISSN: 2321-7065
Challay, S. (2016). The Contribution of the Notions of Given and New Information to the Grammar of the English Clause. International Journal of English Language, Literature and Humanities. 4(6), 87-96.
ISSN: 2321-7065
Challay, S. (2016). A Case for Using Translation in the Teaching of English to Krio Learners. International Journal of English Language, Literature and Humanities. 4(4), 448-457.
ISSN: 2321-7065
Challay, S. (2016). Assessment of the State of Resources for the Teaching of Oral English in Senior Secondary Schools in Bo, Southern Sierra Leone. International Journal of English Language, Literature and Humanities. 4(3), 450-457.
ISSN: 2321-7065

Published Books

Thulla, P. F. Y., Jones, H., Challay, S. & Kanneh, V. S. (2023). A Handbook of English Grammar and Writing for College Students. Lagos: University of Lagos Press.
Ai-Gbahan Lahai, P. F. M., & Challay, S. (2020). English Grammar and Writing Skills. Bloomington: Author House.
Challay, S., Muffuh, P. M., Libbie, J. K. L., & Sesay, S. F. D. (2015). Essentials of English Grammar. Colorado: Outskirts Press.
Challay, S. (2015). An Introduction to Language and Linguistics. South Africa: Reach Publishers.

Conference Papers & Proceedings

Smith, J, & Challay, S. (Under Review). Word order in Kono. Proceedings paper for First International Conference on Linguistics of Dakar at Cheikh Anta Diop University. Dakar, Senegal.
Status: Under Review
Smith, J, Challay, S. & Jimissa, S. (Under Review). Deriving SOV Word Order in Kono. Proceedings of the Fifty-fourth Annual Conference on African Linguistics. University of Connecticut. Storrs, CT.
Status: Under Review

Research Focus Areas

English Language Teaching

ESL pedagogy and oral fluency development

Applied Linguistics

Grammar, error analysis, and language acquisition

Sociolinguistics

Language influence and multilingual contexts

African Languages

Kono, Hulimba, and indigenous language studies

Academic Impact Summary

Publication Span

2015 - 2025 (11 years of continuous research)

International Reach

Published across multiple international journals and publishers

Collaborative Research

Extensive collaboration with national and international scholars

Research Contribution

Dr. Challay's research significantly contributes to English language education in Sierra Leone, with particular focus on multilingual contexts, pedagogical innovation, and indigenous language preservation.

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