​ 28thApril 2026

FBC Bicentennial: Chancellor Calls for National Event as Planning Committee Unveils $200 Goal The Chancellor of the University of Sierra Leone, PC Dr. Margaret Catharine Baio Gbanie IV, has made a passionate appeal to the Visitor of the University, His Excellency the President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, requesting that the Fourah Bay College (FBC) Bicentennial Celebration be declared a national event.

The appeal, made during the University Court meeting held on 23rd April 2026 at Mount Aureol, underscores the desire to showcase the landmark history of tertiary education in thecountry.“TheBicentennial celebration must be a national event,”said Chancellor PC Dr. Margaret Catharine Baio Gbanie IV.“This is a legacy that has illuminated generations and shaped history itself.” The Chancellor also urged the entire university management team to support the event both financially and morally. The committee responsible for planning, coordination, and resource

mobilization reported on activities undertaken so far, as well as the challenges encountered.

Vice Chancellor Appeals to Disgruntled Alumni The Vice Chancellor and Principal, Professor Aiah Lebbie, encouraged the committee to intensify resource mobilization efforts and to galvanize support from students and alumni. “All those whose umbilical cords are tied to FBC should support this anniversary,”Professor Lebbie declared.“This is something happening once in a hundred years, which means the world should know.” Addressing a sensitive issue, the Vice Chancellor acknowledged that a

significant number of alumni remain disgruntled due to ill-treatment during their time at the university. He issued an apology and appealed for their support. “I apologize to those who feel wronged,”Professor Lebbie said.“But now is the time to forgive and support your institution.” He also reported that meetings havebeen held with the Minister of Technical and Higher Education to mobilize political will, and that letters have been sent by the University Registrar to that effect.

Professor Russell, the Pro Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor of COMAHS, responded with further suggestions for resource mobilization and committed COMAHS’s full support to grace the celebration. DVC, Prof Andrew Baio Lays Out Development Pillars at Fundraising Cocktail

The countdown to the bicentenary is officially underway. Speaking at a fundraising cocktail held at the

Freetown Gulf Club, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Andrew Baio, declared that the 200th-anniversary celebration transcends the institution itself.

“Two hundred years in the life of a country could be a moment; two hundred years in the life of a continent could be a chapter. But two hundred years of an institution dedicated to transferring knowledge is a legacy that has illuminated generations and shaped history itself,” Professor Baio stated.

He reminded attendees of the College’s historic roots, tracing back to February 1827.

“On this soil, something extraordinary was born, the first institution of higher learning in modern sub-Saharan Africa. FBC did not just open doors; it opened the minds of a continent, earning the honour of being the ‘Athens of West Africa’.” Highlighting the College’s legacy of producing pioneers, the DVC noted: “From Bishop Ajayi Crowther to Sir Milton Margai and Lathi Hyde, the trailblazers across Ghana and Nigeria, they were the original crème de la crème.”

Professor Baio emphasized that the bicentenary is a strategic opportunity for renewal, unveiling ambitious development pillars, including:

• Sustainable water supply and dam expansion at Bathurst
• A potential water bottling business in partnership with the private sector
• A bicentenary monument facing the ocean
• An education endowment fund for research and scholarships
• A state-of-the-art multipurpose building
• Resurfacing the 4-kilometer campus road
• Solar energy expansion for digitization and smart classrooms

“We depend on the deep and enduring relations of our staff, alumni, and students, as well as the private sector and development agencies, ”Professor Baio said.“I call on everyone to support the bicentennial celebration.” Committee Unveils Activities, $200Million Fundraising Goal The Bicentennial Planning Committee has unveiled a vibrant lineup of activities while calling on the global alumni community to rally behind a$200 million fundraising goal for the celebration in support of the development pillars.

Madam Henrietta Harding, introducing the proceedings, declared:

“I am a Fourahite, and I fly the flag of FBC everywhere I go. Let us make the 200 years something worth celebrating. Let every moment we serve be dedicated to bringing FBC into it.” She added: “I bring you greetings from the diaspora, from the UKFBC Alumni. We are equally as proud as you are.”

Professor Aisha Fofanah Ibrahim, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Chair of the Bicentennial

Committee, took the stage to a warm welcome.

“The DVC has outlined the impact of FBC over the years and the key projects. Now, I want to focus on the activities we have identified, ”Professor Ibrahim said. “We don’t always know what FBC did to its people, but we know the bond is there. We are continuing this healing process.” She confirmed the $200million target: “These are lofty, lofty projects, but we know they are doable. We must mobilize the support of alumni and well-wishers to secure the two million dollars needed to celebrate 200 years of existence.” Proposed activities include a special convocation, thanksgiving and interfaith prayers, a floating parade, a sponsored walk, a dinner and dance gala, a carnival, sports

tournaments, conferences and symposia, “Meet and Drink” socials, and a traditional Awojoh celebration. The Committee has proposed ranking alumni by decade—from Decade 11 (1927–1966) onward ,to foster smaller, focused support groups. Subcommittees have been established for diaspora outreach, communications, research, fundraising, sports, merchandise, sanitation, and more. “These committees are not set in stone, ”Professor Ibrahim added.“The door remains open for more alumni to be incorporated or even headhunted for their expertise.”

By

Dr.Tonya Musa Directorof Communication and International Relations University of Sierra Leone