FBC Retreat Concludes in Bo, Leaders Call for Reform and Compliance

FBC Retreat Concludes in Bo, Leaders Call for Reform and Compliance The three-day strategic retreat of Fourah Bay College (FBC) ended on 11th April 2026, bringing together university leadership to chart a transformative path for the College and the wider University of Sierra Leone. Hoste in Bo, the retreat tackled key issues including curricular harmonization, examination policies, housing, and asset management.

Central to the discussions was the urgent need for compliance and implementation. Mr. Munda J.S. Lebbie, the Registrar, emphasized that policy without action serves no purpose. “We must ensure compliance and effective implementation,” he stated. Echoing

this call for efficiency, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) of FBC, Professor Andrew Baio stressed the importance of decentralizing examinations. “Timely publication of results is non-negotiable,” the DVC said. In a bold vision for the academic future, the Vice Chancellor and Principal, Professor Lebbie, called for a revival of interdisciplinary learning. “We need to introduce interdisciplinary programmes and courses in the new curricula,” he urged. “It is time to reintroduce major and minor areas of specialization.” He also issued a direct administrative order: “Copies of results should be sent to the Registrar. Furthermore, all results submitted for the award of degrees must be accompanied by soft copies to the Registry.”

The Chancellor of the University of Sierra Leone, P.C. Dr. Margret Catharine Baio Gbaine IV, turned the focus to faculty development. She encouraged the administration to prioritize pedagogical training, stating, “This is essential for all academic staff, especially those without academic papers in Education.” Concerns over graduate student management were also addressed. Professor Ronney Frazer Williams, Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, urged departments to act swiftly. “We must expedite the processing of graduate students’ applications and the submission of offer letters,” he said. In response, Professor Osman Gbla, Chairman of the Graduate Committee at FBC, highlighted recent progress, noting “the successes and improvement in theses and performance of graduate students through the support of this Committee.” On academic assessment, Dr. Francis Sowa called for greater transparency, recommending “provisional publications of semester grades for queries and rectification before board meetings and final submission of grades.” Meanwhile, the Deputy Registrar of FBC appealed for practical planning, specifically “the preparation of timetables ahead of the reopening of each semester.” The retreat facilitator reminded all deans to cascade decisions downward, stressing that “key among these is stakeholder engagement in reviewing, designing, and developing their curricula.” Participants agreed that the new examination policy framework must be comprehensive, capturing governance, procedures, complaints, penalties, and an implementation plan to ensure quality controls. Dr. Johnson, Dean of Pure and Applied Sciences, added a resource-based perspective: “Equipping the labs and teaching facilities is a strategic measure for quality teaching.” A major flashpoint emerged during the housing report. Dr. J. Konoyima, Chairman of the Housing Committee, presented alarming findings. “After a baseline assessment, 42 or more quarters were documented that are occupied by non-staff members and not captured in the records at the Registry,” he revealed. “Additionally, senior quarters meant for professors and senior lecturers are occupied by staff below those ranks. This is a cause for concern regarding transparency, fairness, and accountability.” In response, the Chancellor directed the Vice Chancellor and Principal to act decisively. “Allocation to quarters must be based on defined criteria,” she said. “Those occupying the wrong quarters should relocate after the validation of the Housing Policy.” The Vice Chancellor, DVC, and Registrar assured her of the full implementation of all policies. Closing the retreat, the Coordinator, Mrs. Elizabeth L. Kamara (ADVC 2, FBC), commended the participants. “I appreciate the support and participation of everyone,” she said. “We must ensure the compilation and follow-through of everything discussed at this retreat.” By Dr. Tonya Musa Director of Communication and International Relations