On Friday, the 16th of January 2026, the walls of the Fourah Bay College (FBC) Library were graced with a gift of profound significance. A cherished collection of books, once belonging to the late Professor Henry M. Joko-Smart, found a new and permanent home within the college’s carefully preserved library.

Professor Joko Smart was a monumental figure in Sierra Leone’s legal landscape. From 1966 to 2000, he served the University of Sierra Leone at Fourah Bay College with great dedication, rising from Lecturer to Dean of Law Faculty . Also a strong pioneer in founding the Sierra Leone Law School, he later ascended to serve as a Justice of the Supreme Court from 1998 to 2005.

Inspired by this legacy, the generous donation was kindled by the thoughtful initiative of the Faculty of Law Acting Dean, Professor Alusine Jalloh. To honour the Professor’s life and work, he proposed three meaningful pillars: the donation of books, a future scholarship programme, and a memorial lecture. The Joko-Smart family warmly embraced this vision, with the book donation strengthening the enduring relationship between the family and the College.

Speaking for the University administration, Mr. Brima Bah, Deputy Registrar of FBC, expressed deep appreciation. He honoured the late Professor as a tireless pioneer who helped establish FBC as one of the leading academic lights in Africa. He gave the family his sincere assurance that the books would be preserved and used by countless students and staff.

Representing the donor family, Sybil Joko-Smart, the Professor’s eldest daughter and an FBC alumna herself, shared her satisfaction. She noted that these volumes, collected by her father since the 1950s, had reached their perfect destination. With gentle humility, she pleaded for the books to be used wisely, expressing that nothing would make the family happier than seeing them create a positive impact within the college her father held so dear.

Acting Dean Professor Alusine Jalloh, the architect of this collaboration, thanked the family for their impactful gift. He reaffirmed the Faculty of Law’s steadfast commitment to continuing Professor Joko-Smart’s noble vision of pursuing excellence within its walls.

The student voice was joyfully represented by Esther Caulker, a third year law student. Expressing warm delight on behalf of her peers, she stated her certainty that the books would prove invaluable to students, staff, and researchers alike. She gently encouraged all her fellow students to treat this resource with the greatest care.

Other members from both the University and the Joko Smart family added their voices, reflecting on the deep importance of the donation. They echoed a powerful, shared belief: that such acts of giving back are essential to cementing the University’s proud place as one of Africa’s leading centres of learning.

Thus, a legacy penned in ink is passed forward, the light of knowledge he first lit will continue to guide future generations.

©️ Maa-Oul-La-Neine Tunis