By: Abdul Razack Gbla
Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, has achieved a historic milestone by launching its first Postgraduate LLM program in Human Rights, Constitutional Law, and Criminal Justice. This august event took place on 10th July 2024 at the Multi-Purpose Hall of FBC, under the auspices of the Vice Chancellor and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor. After almost 197 years of existence, the demand to expand access to legal education to other fields of endeavor in the country seems to be reaching the top of the legal game.
The Honorable Acting Chief Justice, Nicholas Browne Marke, officially launched the LLM program on behalf of the University of Sierra Leone. The program has garnered huge interest, with over 50 students already shortlisted for the inaugural class. These students come from diverse professional backgrounds, including lawyers, judges, politicians, professional journalists, and civil rights activists.
Recognizing the need to expand access to legal education across various fields, the program is open to both lawyers and non-lawyers. The LLM program does not serve as an entrance requirement into law school nor does it confer the status of a lawyer upon its holders. Instead, it aims to equip non-lawyers with the necessary skills and knowledge of the law, empowering them to assert their rights when threatened, abused, or violated.
The LLM course spans two years and includes both taught and research components. The program is designed to be accessible, with reasonable fees compared to other universities on the African continent. Classes will be held in the evening hours and online, providing flexibility for working professionals. The program is set to commence at the end of July 2024.
The LLM program has received full accreditation from the Tertiary Education Commission, with subsequent approval from the University Senate. A dedicated team of qualified lecturers from the Faculty of Law and international universities will comprise the teaching staff, ensuring a high-quality education experience.
The successful implementation of this program is expected to pave the way for additional LLM programs, such as LLM in Commercial and Corporate Law and LLM in Natural Resources Law and Policy, in the coming years.
With the introduction of this LLM program, Fourah Bay College now offers a comprehensive legal education package, including a Diploma in Legal Studies, an LLB honors degree, and an LLM in Human Rights, Constitutional Law, and Criminal Justice. This initiative opens doors for everyone in Sierra Leone to access legal education, depending on their qualifications, strength, fortitude, and more.
