By: Saidu Jalloh
The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE) has pledged full institutional support for Fourah Bay College’s (FBC) forthcoming bicentennial celebrations scheduled for 2027. The commitment was made following a high-level presentation by the College’s Bicentennial Anniversary Committee during a meeting held at the ministry.
During the engagement, the committee briefed ministry officials on planned activities, fundraising strategies, and proposed legacy projects to mark FBC’s 200th anniversary.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Fourah Bay College, Professor Andrew Baio, said the meeting was aimed at updating key stakeholders on progress made so far and securing the ministry’s backing for the bicentennial programme. He described the anniversary as a unique opportunity to restore the historic prestige of the institution, which he noted was once a major source of national pride.
Professor Baio also introduced Professor Aisha Fofanah Ibrahim as Chairperson of the Bicentennial Anniversary Committee, with the Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education serving as Co-Chair.
Presenting on behalf of the committee, Professor Ibrahim disclosed that preparations had been strengthened through the establishment of seven subcommittees to enhance coordination and implementation. She announced that the bicentennial celebrations would span ten days in 2027 to accommodate alumni from the diaspora.
Planned activities include a special convocation and awards ceremony, a thanksgiving service, march-past, sponsored walk, dinner and dance, carnival, sports competitions, cultural programmes, academic conferences, alumni engagements, and job fairs.
She further stated that fundraising activities would run from February 2026 to February 2027 to support both the celebrations and the institution’s long-term development projects.
Responding, the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Dr. Haja Ramatulai Wurie, commended the committee’s efforts and described the bicentennial as a strategic opportunity to reposition Fourah Bay College. She urged the committee to intensify alumni mobilization at home and abroad through innovative fundraising approaches, merchandise branding, and enhanced social media engagement.
Dr. Wurie reaffirmed the ministry’s full commitment to the celebrations and disclosed plans to leverage cabinet-level support, noting that several senior government officials are alumni or have strong ties to the college.
Deputy Minister Sarjoh Aziz Kamara called for wider collaboration among public universities, suggesting that the bicentennial be framed as a national higher education milestone rather than an event exclusive to FBC.
Permanent Secretary Mohamed Sheick Kargbo emphasized the need for stronger alumni mobilization, particularly through digital platforms, and encouraged the committee to prioritize visible and impactful legacy projects capable of attracting broad-based support.
Director of Public Relations at the University of Sierra Leone, Dr. Hindolo Tonya Musa, said the university would intensify engagement with alumni groups through town hall meetings and structured consultations. He noted that well-organized FBC alumni foundations would play a critical role in mobilizing resources, adding that post-launch efforts would focus on promoting the bicentennial both nationally and internationally.
The meeting concluded with assurances of sustained collaboration between MTHE and the FBC Bicentennial Anniversary Committee as preparations continue toward broader public engagement.