By: Usman Fambuleh, LLB Student
The Law Department of IMATT College, located in Kingtom, Freetown, held its orientation ceremony for new law students for the 2025/2026 academic year on Thursday, 9th October 2025. The event officially welcomed the newly admitted students into the Law Department and the College at large, setting the tone for an inspiring academic journey ahead.
In his opening remarks, the Proprietor of IMATT College, Amadu Justice Bah, warmly welcomed the new students and spoke about the college’s policies aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of both students and lecturers.
“At IMATT College, we know what is right, we believe what is right, and we do what is right,” he said. “We care deeply about fairness, justice, and rights.” Mr. Bah also explained the College’s Students’ Protection Policy, which prioritizes safety and academic productivity, as well as the Lecturer Protection Policy, which ensures a fair and respectful environment for both staff and students. He also addressed examination and grading procedures, emphasizing transparency and fairness.
“Our grading and assessment system is open and just, and that is why IMATT College continues to grow and earn respect as a credible institution,” he added.
Delivering the keynote address, Honourable Justice Allan Hallway inspired the students with powerful words on ethics and responsibility in the legal profession.
“Trust is the currency in law,” he said. “As law students, your character and conduct must reflect integrity and discipline.” He went on to describe integrity as the backbone of the legal profession. “Integrity is the flesh in the skeleton of law,” he remarked.
Justice Hallway concluded with three guiding principles for students to live by: Integrity in Learning, Courage in Thought, and Service in Purpose.
Speaking on behalf of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Sylvanus Blake Esq., Deputy Director of Public Education and External Outreach, expressed his appreciation to IMATT College for its sustained and exemplary partnership with the ACC. This collaboration, he said, supports the promotion of integrity in the education sector through the establishment of an Integrity Club, as part of the “Catch Them Young” campaign aimed at building a culture of integrity and transparency in young Sierra Leoneans.
He commended the administration for embedding integrity and accountability policies into the learning process, especially through policies that protect both students and lecturers from harassment and intimidation, ensure fairness, and promote transparency and accountability in addressing grievances.
He reminded the students of Section 128, Sub-section 3 of the Anti-Corruption Act 2008, as amended in 2019, which criminalizes all forms of educational malpractice as corruption. He cautioned both students and lecturers to stay away from practices that may constitute corruption, stressing that such offenses carry serious penalties, including a five-year jail term, a fine of 50,000 Leones, or both.
“Integrity is the willingness to do what is right, even when no one is watching. Doing what is right is never easy, but it is the only path to true justice,” he added. He encouraged students to uphold honesty and moral values throughout their studies.
“As law students, you are symbols of hope for justice and the rule of law in Sierra Leone. Integrity is key to achieving that goal,” he said. He further urged students to serve as whistleblowers in the fight against corruption, stressing that their role as future lawyers goes beyond academics.
“You are the hope of our justice system. Study hard and make good grades, for the nation depends on your integrity and excellence,” he concluded.
The Head of the Law Department, Mohamed Wurie Bah Esq., who also chaired the event, congratulated the new students and outlined the department’s expectations.
“Law is not like any other discipline; it requires time, patience, and dedication,” he stated. He encouraged students to make full use of the department’s resources and opportunities.
“The IMATT College Law Department has won several local moot court competitions and has represented Sierra Leone internationally. We are proud of our achievements, and we want our students to continue that legacy,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Prof. Ajayi, one of the lecturers in the department, advised students to focus on understanding and applying the law rather than simply memorizing for exams.
“Don’t just upload and download information for exams,” he said. “Visualize and apply what you learn because Law is Life and Life is Law.”
The ceremony concluded with brief statements from senior lecturers and law students, who shared words of encouragement and advice to the new entrants. The event was filled with motivation, enthusiasm, and a shared commitment to excellence in legal education.
IMATT College is a technical and professional college in Freetown, Sierra Leone, established in 2009 to provide quality education in fields such as law, nursing, computer science, and applied accounting. The College focuses on job-oriented programs designed to benefit society.
