The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has pledged its full support for the upcoming bicentennial celebrations of Fourah Bay College (FBC), following a detailed presentation by the College’s Bicentennial Anniversary Committee on planned activities, fundraising strategies, and legacy projects ahead of the institution’s 200th anniversary in 2027.
The commitment was made during a stakeholder engagement meeting hosted by the ministry, aimed at reviewing preparations for the historic milestone and strengthening collaboration between the government and the university.
Deputy Vice Chancellor of Fourah Bay College, Professor Andrew Baio, thanked the ministry for hosting the meeting, noting that the engagement was intended to update stakeholders on the committee’s progress and to formally seek the ministry’s support for the bicentennial programme. He recalled FBC’s historic role as a major source of national pride and expressed optimism that the celebrations would help restore the institution’s long-standing prestige.
Professor Baio also introduced Professor Aisha Fofanah Ibrahim as Chairperson of the Bicentennial Anniversary Committee, adding that the Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education serves as Co-Chair of the committee.
Presenting on behalf of the committee, Professor Ibrahim outlined key progress made so far, including the expansion of the committee into seven subcommittees to enhance coordination and efficiency. She disclosed that the bicentennial celebration will span ten days in 2027, deliberately structured to accommodate alumni from the diaspora.
According to her, planned activities include a special convocation and awards ceremony, thanksgiving service, march-past, sponsored walk, dinner and dance, carnival, sports competitions, cultural programmes, academic conferences, alumni engagements, and job fairs.
Professor Ibrahim further revealed that fundraising activities will run from February this year to February 2027, with proceeds intended to support both the bicentennial celebrations and long-term development projects at the institution.
In her response, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, commended the committee for its efforts and described the bicentennial as a unique opportunity to reshape the narrative surrounding Fourah Bay College. She emphasized the importance of mobilizing alumni both locally and internationally through innovative fundraising approaches, strategic use of branded merchandise, and strengthened social media engagement.
Dr. Wurie reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the programme and disclosed plans to leverage cabinet-level backing, noting that several senior government officials are alumni or have strong ties to the university.
Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sarjoh Aziz Kamara, called for broader collaboration across public universities, proposing that the bicentennial be positioned as a national higher education milestone rather than an event exclusive to Fourah Bay College.
Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Mohamed Sheick Kargbo, stressed the urgent need for improved alumni mobilization, particularly through digital platforms. He encouraged the committee to prioritize practical and visible legacy projects that would attract wider public and alumni support.
Director of Public Relations at the University of Sierra Leone, Dr. Hindolo Tonya Musa, said engagement with alumni groups and clubs would be intensified through town hall meetings and structured discussions. He noted that well-organized FBC foundations would play a critical role in mobilizing contributions. Dr. Musa added that following the official launch of the bicentennial, efforts would focus on popularizing the initiative both nationally and internationally.
The meeting concluded with assurances of continued collaboration between the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education and the Fourah Bay College Bicentennial Anniversary Committee as preparations progress toward broader public engagement ahead of the 2027 celebrations.
