Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone has launched its first Postgraduate LLM program in Human Rights, Constitutional Law and Criminal Justice.

The launching ceremony took place today, 10th July 2024 at the Multi- Purpose Hall, FBC under the auspices of the Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor, FBC respectively. The LLM program was officially launched by the Honorable Acting Chief Justice, Nicholas Browne Marke on behalf of the University of Sierra Leone.

Over 50 students have already been shortlisted for the maiden program and they include lawyers, judges, politicians, professionals journalists and civil right activists.

After almost 197 years of existence, the demand to expand access to legal education to other fields of endeavor in the country, the program has been made open to both lawyers and non- lawyers since the LLM is neither an entrance requirement into law school nor can the holder of it be transformed into a lawyer by its conferment. At the very least, it will equip non-lawyers with the requisite skills and knowledge of the law so that they will become empowered and be able to claim their rights when threatened, abused or violated,

The LLM course will run for 2 years having a component of both taught and research and the fees are quite reasonable when compared to other oversea universities in the African Continent.
Some of the LLM classes will be held in the evening hours while others will be done virtually; with the program kicking off by the end of July 2024.

The LLM program was fully accredited by the Tertiary Education Commission with subsequent approval granted by the University Senate.

A diligent team of qualified lecturers both in the Faculty of Law and in oversea universities will make up the teaching staff of the LLM program.

Educating people to improve their capability to deal with legal problems has both individual and broader societal benefits, and may improve participation in public and economic life.