Yeabu Josephine Tholley is an esteemed Sierra Leonean professional with dedication to her work in the fields of statistics, education, and gender-sensitive governance.

Yeabu’s academic achievements include a Master of Education in Measurement and Evaluation from Njala University College, University of Sierra Leone (2002-2003), and a Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus on Mathematics and Chemistry from the same institution (1984-1989). She has earned numerous certificates, including the 1000 Voices Fellowship Program, Christian Discipleship, and Gender-Sensitive Governance, among others.

Yeabu had an extensive career at Statistics Sierra Leone, where she served as the Head of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Training Department, and Principal Statistician, part of the senior management team. Previously, she was the Senior Statistician in various departments including the Economics Statistics Division and the Research and Development Unit. Her roles have spanned from statistician to senior lecturer, demonstrating her versatile expertise in data analysis, project management, and education.

She has also held significant teaching positions, notably at the Milton Margai College of Education and Technology, where she was a senior lecturer in the Mathematics and Computer Studies Department from 2005 to 2008.

Yeabu is actively involved in numerous professional and community organizations. She has served in leadership roles such as Vice Chairman of the Council of Finance and Administration at Bishop Baughman Memorial U.M. Church and Honorary Treasurer at Planned Parenthood Association Sierra Leone (PPASL). She has also been a member of various national and international committees, contributing significantly to the development of policies and programs in education, health, and gender equality.

Her skills include strong project management, data analysis, and excellent organizational abilities. She has participated in and facilitated numerous seminars, workshops, and training sessions both locally and internationally, enhancing her expertise in various fields including statistics, gender studies, and education.

Yeabu has co-developed and authored several publications, such as “Tackling Growing Inequalities in Education in New Zealand and Sierra Leone,” and “A Perspective on the response to FGM/C in Sierra Leone.” Her work has been published in esteemed journals and she has contributed to important reports like the Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey.

Her dedication to professional development is evident through her extensive participation in training programmes and workshops. She continues to be a driving force in her field, leveraging her vast knowledge and experience to contribute to the advancement of statistics, education, and gender equality in Sierra Leone.