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The University of Makeni (UNIMAK) has awarded a honorary doctorate degree (Honoris Causa) to former Chief-Justice of Sierra Leone, Umu Hawa Tejan-Jalloh.
Tejan-Jalloh received the honor during the University’s congregation ceremony which took place at the Fatima Campus on Saturday morning. The degree was awarded as a form of recognizing her invaluable contributions to the legal system of Sierra Leone and her unwavering commitment to justice.
Tejan-Jalloh made history as the first female Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, serving from 2008 to 2015. Born on 16th April,1949, in Freetown into a Muslim Fula family, she began her career in law as a State Counsel in 1975.
She progressively climbed the ranks, becoming a High Court Judge in 1996, a Court of Appeals Judge in 2004, and eventually the Chief Justice in 2008, a role she held until her retirement in 2015.
UNIMAK, established in 2005 by Reverend George Biguzzi, awarded the honorary degree in a letter dated 10th April, 2025, signed by Registrar Foday Augustine Bangura.
The nomination was supported by the university’s Administration, Senate, and Governing Council on 28th March, 2025. The institution expressed appreciation for Justice Tejan-Jalloh’s unwavering support for its Faculty of Law and the deep-rooted friendship she shared, particularly during the tenure of the late Chancellor, Bishop Emeritus George Biguzzi.
Upon receiving the honor, Justice Tejan-Jalloh conveyed her profound gratitude in her acceptance letter, stating, “This recognition of my service to Sierra Leone is a profound honour.” She also praised the university for its dedication to educational excellence and its significant role in the nation’s development. “The values of sacrifice and service this award represents resonate deeply with me,” she added, affirming her commitment by confirming her attendance at the conferment ceremony.
In reflecting on her educational journey, Justice Tejan-Jalloh noted her pride in attending St. Edward’s Secondary School, a Catholic institution in Freetown, as well as Harford Secondary School for Girls in Moyamba, stating that she advanced her studies at Columbia University in New York, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science, followed by a Bachelor of Laws from the College of Law in London and her call to the Bar at Gray’s Inn in 1974.
