By Usman Fambuleh

The Law Department of IMATT College has called on newly admitted Bachelor of Laws (LLB 1) students to embrace integrity, discipline, hard work and academic excellence as they begin their journey towards becoming legal practitioners.

The call was made on Saturday, 17 October 2026, during an orientation ceremony held at the College’s Kingtom Campus in Freetown. The event brought together lecturers, administrative staff and newly admitted law students to familiarise the students with the academic expectations, institutional policies and professional responsibilities associated with studying law.

The orientation marked an important first step for the new intake, introducing them to the values, standards and responsibilities that will guide their academic journey at IMATT College.

Welcoming the students on behalf of the Chairman, Mr. Amadu Justice Bah, and the Law Department, the Head of Department, Joel Tejan Deen-Tarawally Esq., congratulated the new intake and encouraged them to approach their legal education with seriousness, determination and a strong sense of responsibility. He also emphasised that students should conduct themselves in accordance with the new Code of Conduct for Law Students that will take effect on the 19th October 2026 when the College reopens.

The Head of Department further emphasised that inasmuch as students have rights, they also have responsibilities and that the relationship that exists between students and the College is symbiotic in nnature. He also noted that the College will continue to offer quality legal education and that students are expected to do their own part by studying and complying with the rules and expectations of the College.

Deen-Tarawally Esq., who also serves as a Prosecutor at the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Sierra Leone, placed particular emphasis on integrity, reputation and hard work, describing them as essential qualities for academic success and professional development.

Speaking on behalf of the Director of Public Education at the ACC, he reminded the students that integrity must be reflected in every aspect of their academic lives, particularly in examinations, assignments and other academic activities.

He strongly cautioned against examination malpractice, explaining that academic dishonesty goes beyond violating institutional rules and can also have legal consequences under Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption framework, including the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008, as amended in 2019, where applicable.

He further urged the students to protect their reputations from the beginning of their academic journey, noting that the decisions they make today could influence their future opportunities and standing in society.

The Head of Department also reminded the students that the journey to becoming a lawyer is demanding and comes with significant responsibilities.

He encouraged them to take their studies seriously, remain committed to learning and understand that the legal profession requires more than academic qualifications. It demands integrity, diligence, sound judgment and a commitment to justice.

Constitutional and Administrative Law lecturer, Mr Bangura, took the new students through the College’s Students’ Code of Conduct, explaining its major provisions and the standards expected of every student.

He highlighted that the document serves as an important guide to students’ rights, roles and responsibilities, as well as their relationship with the Law Department and the wider College administration.

According to him, understanding the code is essential to maintaining discipline, promoting mutual respect and ensuring a smooth academic experience throughout the students’ stay at the institution.

He urged the students to familiarise themselves with the rules governing their academic and social conduct, warning that ignorance of the law is no excuse for non-compliance.

He explained that a clear understanding of institutional policies would help students avoid unnecessary disciplinary issues and contribute to a respectful and productive learning environment.

Also addressing the new intake, Abdulai Senesie Esq. Merchantile Law lecturer encouraged the students to set ambitious academic goals and work consistently towards achieving excellent results.

He highlighted the importance of developing the right study habits, remaining focused and making effective use of the academic resources available to them.

Senesie explained that strong academic performance could open doors to valuable opportunities in the legal profession and other areas of public and professional service.

He therefore urged the students not to approach their studies casually but to recognise the importance of every lecture, assignment, examination and research task in shaping their future careers.

He encouraged them to remain determined, disciplined and committed to achieving the best possible results throughout their legal education.

In a practical session aimed at preparing the new students for the demands of law school, Rev. Gibrilla Kargbo, a successful final-year student in the Law Department, shared insights into how students could navigate their academic journey and achieve success.

Drawing on his experience as a senior student, Kargbo encouraged the new intake to develop realistic study timetables and cultivate the habit of reading every day.

He also urged them to ask questions whenever they encountered difficulties, conduct independent research and remain studious in their approach to academic work.

He emphasised that success in legal education requires consistency, curiosity, discipline and a willingness to go beyond what is taught in the classroom.

His advice provided the new students with practical guidance on managing their time, strengthening their understanding of legal concepts and preparing effectively for examinations.

The orientation also featured contributions from a cross-section of lecturers in the Law Department, who offered advice and guidance to the new students as they began their studies.

Administrative staff from the College were equally present to familiarise the students with essential administrative procedures, including financial obligations, examination requirements and student policies.

Their participation provided the new intake with an opportunity to understand the administrative systems that support their academic experience and the responsibilities expected of them as members of the institution.

The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which students engaged lecturers and administrative staff on issues relating to their studies, institutional regulations and life at IMATT College.

The session gave the students an opportunity to seek clarification on matters affecting their academic journey and to gain a better understanding of the support available to them.

The orientation underscored the importance of preparing law students not only to pass examinations but also to develop the discipline, ethical standards and professional values required of future legal practitioners.

For the new LLB 1 students, the message was clear: success in law school requires integrity, consistent effort, respect for institutional rules and a commitment to lifelong learning.

As they begin this important chapter, the students are expected to translate the advice received into practical action, building strong academic foundations that will prepare them for the demands of legal practice and service to society.

IMATT College, the Harvard of Sierra Leone.