By: Saidu Jalloh
The History and African Studies Department at Fourah Bay College (FBC), University of Sierra Leone, has emerged as the overall winner of the 2025 Honourable Sidie Mohamed Tunis Inter-Departmental Debate, Public Speaking, and Essay Writing Championship.
The two-day event, held on April 9th and 10th at the Tunde Cole Building on the FBC campus, brought together eight intellectually vibrant departments in a spirited contest of ideas, persuasion, and policy advocacy.
The competing departments included Mass Communication, Gender and Development Studies, Language Studies, Political Science, Marine Science, Information Studies, Sociology and Social Work, with History and African Studies ultimately claiming victory.
This year’s championship revolved around the timely theme: “The Big Five Game Changers: A Blueprint for Sustainable National Development in Sierra Leone.” Participants debated five core development pillars: Feed Salone, Human Capital Development, Youth Employment Scheme, Revamping the Public Service Architecture, and Technology and Infrastructure.
The History and African Studies team captivated the judges with their sharp arguments, strategic delivery, and well-researched proposals. Leading the team was Elijah Juana-Kamara, who was named Best Debater of the tournament. His teammate, Isatu Michella Bangura, earned the title of Second Best Debater.
As a result, the department claimed the grand prize of $2,000, along with certificates, plaques, and the coveted championship trophy.
The event was organized by the Sierra Leone Debating Council – FBC Chapter and was proudly sponsored by Honourable Sidie Mohamed Tunis, a distinguished alumnus of the college and a respected national figure.
In his closing remarks, the Coordinator of the Debating Council commended all participants for their eloquence, dedication, and passion. He emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader effort to amplify youth voices in shaping Sierra Leone’s national development narrative.
This victory marks a defining moment for the History and African Studies Department, reaffirming its reputation as a beacon of intellectual excellence and civic engagement at Fourah Bay College.