12thMay2026

In a decisive move to ensure a unified and strategic celebration of Fourah Bay College’s (FBC) 200th anniversary, a cross-section of the FBC Alumni met with the Deputy Vice

Chancellor, Professor Andrew Baio, and the Bicentennial Anniversary Planning Committee.

The high-level meeting took place on May 12, 2026, at the DVC Committee Room, Mount Aureol, with the core objective of aligning alumni activities with the official planning framework to ensure uniformity, consistency, and strategic focus.

Addressing the gathering, Professor Baio firmly assured the alumni of his total support towards reviving and promoting national chapters by granting them dedicated office space. “The office will be centrally located for alumni to meet and engage development partners and well-wishers to support their institution,” Professor Baio said, confirming the new headquarters at 11 Lamina Sankoh Street, the former Law School Building. He pledged that the university would furnish the space to reflect its purpose. Regarding governance, the DVC was unequivocal: “No one will interfere with your autonomy to exist.” However, with less than ten months until the bicentennial, he directed all parties to work together on resource mobilization, alumni support, and the development pillars approved by the University Court.

Responding on behalf of the alumni body, the President of the FBC Alumni Association, Dr. Kishore Shankerdas, affirmed their commitment to collaboration. He noted that two of the nine identified projects, beautification of FBC and energy, are now considered alumni-led activities, given the fast-approaching deadline. To streamline finances, Professor Baio assured the room that one central account would be used for all proceeds, donations, and subscriptions. “We will ensure transparency and accountability in managing the funds,” the DVC stated, adding that all projects could be financed from a single “basket fund” to be jointly managed by the administration and alumni leadership. Other key alumni figures, including Mrs. Isatu Jabbie Kabba and Mr. Solomon Jamiru Esq., expressed eagerness to see a concrete framework for cooperation. The Co-Chair of the Bicentennial Planning Committee, Professor Aisha Fofana Ibrahim, clarified the committee’s mandate and composition, confirming the inclusion of alumni executives Dr. Kishore Shankerdas and Dr. Teddy-Foday Musa,a number later increased to three with the addition of Mrs. Isatu Jabbie Kabbah. She also requested alumni representatives sit on various sub-committees. In a swift move, Mr. Solomon Jamiru Esq. and Mrs. Kabbah

were appointed to the Communication and Publicity Committee, with the remaining names to be submitted by Dr. Teddy Foday-Musa. In the spirit of collaboration, Mrs. Kabbah updated the meeting on mobilization efforts, expressing hope to bring more people onboard. A lively discussion followed regarding the alumni-proposed float parade. The consensus was to adopt a more integrated approach, bringing together all constituent campuses, including IPAM and COMAHS, along with staff and students. This will require separate meetings with leadership of those institutions to secure total commitment. The date for the Float Parade is 23rdMay2026.

The meeting concluded with a firm decision to launch a robust publicity campaign for the

float parade, utilizing mainstream media, social media platforms, billboards in strategic locations, and fliers. With mutual understanding achieved, the proceedings ended happily with group photographs.

By

Dr. Tonya Musa Director of Communications and International Relations University of SierraLeone