The University of Sierra Leone on Wednesday rejected social media claims that Fourah Bay College had scrapped its 200th anniversary celebrations due to funding shortfalls, calling the reports fabricated.

Dr. Tonya Musa, the university’s director of communications, told Truth Media the purported cancellation document did not come from the administration. She labeled the reports “Fake News” and urged the public to disregard them.

The rumours followed the circulation of an online press release claiming the FBC Bicentenary Planning Committee had called off the events. Musa said the college remains committed to marking its bicentenary.

The controversy unfolded against a backdrop of student unrest over the timing of student union elections. Some students had threatened to boycott the bicentenary unless polls were held, according to Truth Media. The university has since outlined a timeline for the elections to ease tensions and ensure participation in the celebrations.

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The bicentenary celebrations are scheduled to run from Feb. 18, 2026, to April 11, 2027, featuring academic conferences, cultural parades, interfaith services, and a grand convocation finale.

Preparations have continued despite the misinformation. In June, the college launched a $5.775 million road rehabilitation project to upgrade deteriorating campus access routes ahead of the celebrations. University leadership has also appealed for $200 million in sustained funding to support legacy infrastructure projects.

The Ministry of Technical and Higher Education has pledged full support for the bicentennial, and the Ministry of Information and Civic Education has committed to promoting the events on national platforms.

Musa said officials view the bicentenary as a historic milestone and that preparations are proceeding as planned, despite attempts to derail the narrative through misinformation.