Fourah Bay College, the University of Sierra Leone launched postgraduate LLM program in Human Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Justice on 10th July, 2024. The ceremony took place at the Multipurpose Hall, FBC under the auspices of the
Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal of USL, Professor Aiah Lebbie and the Deputy Vice Chancellor, FBC, Professor Kelleh Gbawuru Mansaray respectively. The LLM program was officially launched by the Honourable Acting Chief Justice, Nicholas Browne Marke on behalf of the University of Sierra Leone.
Other people present included the substantive Chief Justice of SierraLeone, the Dean of Faculty of Law, Hon Justice Dr. Binneh Kamara, senior members of the FBC Registry and academic staff. The Dean of faculty stated that over 50 students have already been admitted for the maiden program and they include lawyers, judges, politicians, journalists and civil right activists. He said this is an opportunity for people to acquire legal knowledge and skills. He further stated that this initiative is in response to the dire need to expand the access to legal education to other fields of endeavour in the country. In that regard, the program has been made opened to both lawyers and non- lawyers since the LLM is neither an entrance requirement into law school nor can the holder of it be transformed into a lawyer by its conferment.
Dr. Benneh Kamara, also, said the LLM course will equip non-lawyers with the requisite skills and knowledge of the law so that they will become empowered and be able to claim their rights when threatened, abused or violated all in a bid of building and promoting democratization in Sierra Leone.
The LLM course runs for 2 years having a component of both taught and research and the fees are quite reasonable when compared to other oversea universities in Africa. For this reason, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, FBC, Professor Mansaray congratulated all Faculty members of the Law Faculty for actualizing this long-awaited dream. This initiative was part of the University reengineering activities two years ago. The curriculum was developed and went through all internal and external validation processes to ensure quality assurance. It was approved by the Tertiary Education Commission TEC. Dr. Benneh Kamara said that the content of the LLM program can matchup with similar programmes offered in renowned universities in the world.
The Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal, USL, Professor Aiah Lebbie commended the Head of Department of Law, Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, and his colleagues for supporting intellectual development in the faculty.
He appreciated their efforts including fostering collaboration with very senior members of the profession, publications of influential literatures and mentoring young graduates to become professionals. Professor Lebbie encouraged all students present to treat the program with utmost commitment and ensure excellence throughout the program. He told the DVC and the gathering that he is going to ensure professors and eminent scholars are part of the teaching and supervisory team of theses.
This according him will add value and visibility to the program. He also, urged the DVC to expedite the construction of the Law Building at FBC. On that note, he pledged the sum of $1000(one thousand US Dollars) to kick start the construction process. He encouraged other wellwishers, alumni and legal practitioners to support the building project. In response to his pledge, the Acting Chief Justice pledged 10% of his July, 2024 salary to support same. Also, Dr. Binneh Kamara pledged $1000 for the construction of the Law Building.
The gathering was informed by the Faculty that some of the LLM classes will be held in the evening hours while others will be done virtually; with the program kicking off by the end of July 2024. The LLM program was fully accredited by the Tertiary Education Commission with subsequent approval granted by the University Senate, the DVC emphasized.
Mr. Rashid Dumbuya, the supervisor of the undergraduate law program said, they are convinced that with the successful implementation of this maiden edition, other LLM programs such as LLM in Commercial and Corporate Law and LLM in Natural Resources Law and Policy will be rolled out in subsequent years.
Special thanks to all members of Staff in the Faculty of Law for their invaluable support towards the postgraduate program and a big Kudos especially to the Management Team ( Dr Abu Bakarr Binneh Kamara, Acting Dean of the Law Faculty, Dr Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, Head of Department, Mr Fornah Sesay, Postgraduate Coordinator and Mr Rashid Dumbuya, Undergraduate Course Coordinator and Supervisor of the Law Society) for pulling this through successfully.
In sum, and in 2024 at the Faculty of Law, FBC, it would be safe to state that a full legal package now exists; Diploma in legal Studies, LLB honors degree and an LLM in Human Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Justice.
It’s now left with applicants to chose amongst the various options and apply since room has been made for everyone to access legal education in Sierra Leone depending on his/her qualifications, strength and fortitude.