*SIERRA LEONE ANNOUNCES FREE EDUCATION*

Sierra Leone's new president Julius Maada Bio on Thursday announced the introduction of free education for both-

Primary and secondary school children, in line with a major campaign pledge.

''Free education will be introduced effective September 2018 for all primary and secondary schools to improve access to quality education,'' President Bio told the state opening of parliament, to thunderous applause.

Bio took office in early April after a tumultuous election campaign, ending a decade long rule by the All People's Congress [APC].

He also announced near doubling - from 11 to 20 per cent -  of the education sector's annual budgetary allocation.

''Free university education will be provided for three children of every school teacher with ten years experience,'' he said, adding-

That a student loan scheme would be introduced as well as special incentives for science and rural based teachers. [Agencies]