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As Fourah Bay College approaches its historic 200th anniversary, the institution has issued a strong appeal for nationwide support to ensure a transformative and impactful bicentenary celebration.
Speaking at a fundraising cocktail hosted at the Freetown Golf Club, Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Baio described the milestone as a defining moment not only for the College but for Sierra Leone and the African continent.
“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 said in his keynote address.
Founded in February 1827, Fourah Bay College holds the distinction of being the first institution of higher learning in modern sub-Saharan Africa. Over the decades, it earned the prestigious title “Athens of West Africa” for its pioneering role in advancing education and intellectual leadership across the continent.
Professor Baio reflected on the College’s historical impact, noting that FBC has produced influential pioneers, including Samuel Ajayi Crowther, Samuel Lewis, and Lathi Hyde-Forster, among others who helped shape the political, religious, and professional landscape of Africa.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor emphasized that the bicentenary is not merely a ceremonial celebration but a strategic opportunity for renewal and development. He unveiled a series of priority projects aimed at strengthening the institution’s infrastructure and academic excellence.
Key development pillars include:
Construction of perimeter fencing to address land encroachment.
Expansion of sustainable water supply systems, including improvements to the Gloucester Dam and rainwater harvesting facilities.
Establishment of a private sector partnership for a potential water bottling enterprise.
Erection of a bicentenary monument overlooking the ocean.
Creation of an Education Endowment Fund to support research, scholarships, staff development, and academic programmes.
Construction of a state-of-the-art multipurpose building.
Resurfacing of the 4-kilometer campus road to enhance safety and accessibility.• Expansion of solar energy systems to promote digitisation and modern learning technologies.
“These initiatives are critical to positioning Fourah Bay College for the next century of excellence,” Professor Baio noted, stressing that collective action is essential to achieving these goals.
He called on alumni, staff, students, private sector actors, and development partners to rally behind the bicentenary vision. He also acknowledged the historical ties between FBC and Njala University during its period as a constituent college, emphasizing the importance of unity among all stakeholders.
An alumni meeting has been scheduled for February 17 as part of activities leading up to the flag-raising ceremony
