*WHEN THE RAIN COULDN’T DROWN THE SPIRIT:*

*FBC FLOAT PARADE IGNITES BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS*

*A Story of Pride, Unity, and the Unshakeable Fourabite Spirit*

By: Dr Tonya Musa 

The skies above Cline Town threatened to unleash their fury. Dark clouds gathered over the historic Old FBC Building , the grand colonial-era structure that has witnessed nearly two centuries of African intellectual history. Yet the rain proved no match for the fire burning in the hearts of the hundreds who gathered that Saturday morning, 23 Rd May 2026.

*They came in waves.*

Dressed in the vibrant colors of their respective halls, red, blue, green, yellow, and purple , alumni transformed the streets of Freetown into a moving tapestry of Fourah Bay College pride.

*The float parade had begun.*

*A GATHERING OF LEGENDS*

The event attracted an extraordinary constellation of dignitaries, all connected by the enduring spirit of Fourah Bay College.

Present was Hon. Alhaji Timothy Kabba, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, whose attendance underscored the institution’s profound influence on Sierra Leone’s governance. Beside him stood Her Worship Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, Mayor of Freetown, representing the city that has hosted the college for nearly two centuries.

The university’s academic leadership was out in full force. Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Aiah R. Lebbie, whose presence radiated both gravitas and pride, stood shoulder to shoulder with Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Baio, architect of the Bicentennial Development Agenda. Also present was the revered Professor Joe A.D. Alie, the eminent historian whose name has become synonymous with Fourah Bay College excellence.

Madam Isatu Jabbie Kabbah, widow of the late President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, brought a touch of presidential grace, linking the institution to Sierra Leone’s highest office. Hon. Sajoh Aziz-Kamara, Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, also joined the procession and later delivered the keynote address.

“This is more than a parade,” Professor Alie declared. “This is a declaration that Fourah Bay College lives, and lives boldly.”

*THE RAIN THAT COULDN’T STOP THE SPIRIT*

As participants stepped off from Cline Town, the heavens opened.

But the torrential rain only seemed to fuel the excitement. Umbrellas rose, but spirits soared even higher. The float parade wound through the streets of Freetown as a moving celebration of resilience, unity, and African excellence.

Drivers paused. Pedestrians cheered. The city witnessed something extraordinary: generations of alumni marching through heavy rain to declare their enduring love for their alma mater.

Among them was Desmond Benya, his hall colors soaked yet his smile was radiant. Ahmed Nazrallah marched with conviction, while Alhaji Dauda Bangura and Mrs. Isata Francis Sowa represented the strong alumni core whose footsteps echoed through the rain-soaked streets.

Professor Aisha Fofanah, Co-Chair of the Bicentennial Planning Committee, walked with the quiet determination that has characterized her leadership. Beside her was Mohamed Konneh, former Commissioner of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone , another distinguished Fourabite whose career reflects the transformative power of the institution.

“This rain is a blessing!” one participant shouted from the crowd. “It washes away the dust of our past and reveals the shining path ahead!”

*THE STADIUM: WHERE WORDS BECAME A CALL TO ACTION*

The procession culminated at the stadium, where celebration transformed into inspiration.

As participants filed into the venue , water dripping from their clothes but passion burning in their hearts , the stage was set for speeches that would ignite a movement.

*VC & PRINCIPAL PROFESSOR AIAH R. LEBBIE: A VISION FOR THE FUTURE*

Standing before the assembled Fourabites, the Vice-Chancellor spoke with both the weight of history and the urgency of the future.

“Fourah Bay College is not just a place , it is an idea,” Professor Lebbie declared. *“It is the idea that Africa can lead, that African minds can compete globally, and that our continent deserves institutions of excellence.”*

“But ideas require investment. They require support. They require every one of you to contribute to the development pillars we have prioritized for our bicentennial celebration.”

“The legacy we build today belongs to generations yet unborn.”
The stadium erupted in applause.

*PROFESSOR JOE A.D. ALIE: THE CALL TO OWNERSHIP*

When the eminent historian took the stage, his words carried the authority of a man who has spent decades studying and shaping the story of Fourah Bay College.

“I have walked these halls for decades,” he began. “I have seen students become  ministers, scholars, and leaders. I have witnessed our darkest moments and our brightest triumphs.”

“But I have never been as hopeful as I am today. Because today, I see alumni taking ownership, not waiting for the government, not waiting for the administration, but stepping forward to transform their university.”

He paused and looked across the sea of hall colors.

“Two hundred years is a long journey. But the next 200 years begin with what we do today. You are not just alumni , you are custodians of a legacy and architects of the future.”

“Take ownership. Be proud. Give generously. FBC belongs to you.”

*HON. SAJOH AZIZ-KAMARA: GALVANIZING THE FORCE*

The keynote speaker, Hon. Sajoh Aziz-Kamara, brought both governmental authority and Fourabite passion to the podium.

“When I look at this gathering,” he said, scanning the drenched but determined crowd, “I see sororities, fraternities, religious groups, young alumni, and old alumni. I see a force , a united force that cannot be ignored.”

His voice rose with conviction.

“Galvanize! That is my call to you. Galvanize your networks. Galvanize your resources. Galvanize your energy. The Bicentennial is not a one-day celebration , it is a movement. And movements require momentum.”

“You are the momentum.”

“Together, we will show the world that West Africa’s oldest Western-style university is not a relic of the past, it is alive, thriving, and shaping the future.”

*PROFESSOR ANDREW BAIO: A CALL TO FULL PARTICIPATION*

As architect of the “Digitizing FBC” agenda, Professor Andrew Baio brought the conversation back to institutional transformation.

“Students, staff, and alumni , this is your moment,” he urged. “The Bicentennial is not an event for the administration alone. It is a historic responsibility that requires every hand on deck.”

He outlined the vision for digital transformation: online admissions, e-learning platforms, automated administrative systems, digital records management, and data-driven governance.

“But technology alone cannot build a university,” he stressed. “People build universities , committed people, passionate people, people willing to give their time, talent, and treasure.”

“Fully participate. Be part of this history. In 2027, when the world celebrates with us, you should proudly say: I was there. I contributed. I helped build this legacy.”

*THE SPIRIT OF UNITY*

The event was masterfully organized by the Sierra Leone Alumni Chapter, led by a dedicated team that included Dr. Kanu, Solomon Jamiru Esq., Alfred Sesay Esq., and Dr. Teddy Foday-Musa. Their efforts ensured that the float parade became more than an event, it became a movement.

Desmond Benya, visibly emotional, reflected on the experience:

“I graduated decades ago, but today I felt like a student again. The spirit, the energy, the pride ,  it is all still here. FBC never leaves you, and we will never leave FBC.”

Ahmed Nazrallah echoed the sentiment:

“We are not simply celebrating a date. We are celebrating a legacy of resilience, excellence, and African leadership. This parade was a statement: We are here, we are proud, and we are ready.”

*THE JOURNEY CONTINUES*

As the speeches ended and the rain gradually subsided, the crowd dispersed , but the energy lingered in the air.

The Float Parade of May 23, 2026, will be remembered as the moment the Fourah Bay College Bicentennial transformed from an idea into a national movement.

The streets of Freetown had witnessed history. More importantly, they had witnessed the rebirth of commitment.

In the months ahead, more alumni would join the cause. Fundraising efforts would intensify. Digital transformation initiatives would accelerate. The pillars of the Bicentennial Development Agenda would continue to rise , brick by brick, system by system, contribution by contribution.

But on that rainy Saturday in May, something remarkable happened:

Fourabites came home.

“Fourah Bay College is not just a university,” Professor Aisha Fofanah reflected in closing. “It is a family. And on May 23, 2026, that family gathered in the rain to say: We are proud of our past, we are building our present, and we are ready for our future.”

2027 awaits.

And Fourah Bay College will be ready.

In the rain, they walked.
In the rain, they cheered.
In the rain, they committed.

And when the sun finally broke through, it illuminated a people united by love for West Africa’s oldest Western-style university.

Fourah Bay College — 200 years strong, and just getting started.
©️ *Dr. Tonya Musa* 
Director of Communication and International Relations University of Sierra Leone