FBC Courts Rokel Bank’s Support Ahead of Bicentenary Celebrations
Aaron Parker The leadership of Fourah Bay College (FBC) has engaged the management of Rokel Commercial Bank (RCBank) to seek support for its proposed development projects ahead of the institution’s 200th anniversary celebrations.
The engagement took place on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, as the college intensifies efforts to mobilise support from corporate institutions, alumni and other stakeholders towards the bicentenary celebrations and the revitalisation of its historic campus.
Speaking during the meeting, Professor Aisha Fofana Ibrahim, Co-Chair of the FBC Bicentenary Committee, outlined the college’s bicentenary development projects, highlighting ten major initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, strengthening academic activities and restoring the institution’s former status as a leading centre of learning.
The proposed projects include a water and sanitation project to address the college’s persistent water shortages; campus fencing to improve security; rehabilitation of the internal road network; and the construction of a multipurpose building to accommodate conferences, convocations and other major academic events.
Other initiatives include hostel development to provide modern and secure accommodation for students, solar electrification to ensure a reliable power supply for academic and administrative activities, campus beautification, and the construction of an iconic monument to commemorate the institution’s 200-year history.
The college also plans to establish an education fund to support scholarships, academic publications, conference participation and field research, alongside the development of a modern sports complex that will transform the Department of Human Kinetics and Sports into a Centre of Excellence.
Also speaking, Hassan Jah, Co-Chair of the FBC Advisory Fundraising Committee, expressed appreciation to Rokel Commercial Bank for receiving the delegation and acknowledged the bank’s leadership under Managing Director Dr Walton Ekundayo Gilpin.
He recalled the bank’s early support when the college commenced preparations for its bicentenary celebrations, noting that RCBank was among the first institutions to demonstrate significant commitment to the initiative.
Jah called on the bank to renew its support by selecting and adopting one or more of the ten proposed projects. He specifically highlighted road rehabilitation, sustainable water provision, solar energy and campus beautification as areas where the bank could make meaningful contributions.
He also presented bicentenary-branded T-shirts and other campaign materials to the bank, encouraging its management and staff to purchase and wear them as a way of demonstrating solidarity and increasing public visibility for the celebrations.
He emphasised that the college wanted its partnership with RCBank to be visible, urging the institution to publicly demonstrate its support for the FBC@200 celebrations and participate in the activities planned to mark the historic milestone.
Responding, RCBank Managing Director Dr Walton Ekundayo Gilpin described the proposed projects as meaningful initiatives, particularly highlighting the need for road maintenance, solar power and campus beautification.
He assured the delegation that the bank would explore ways of mobilising support, both institutionally and individually, to contribute towards the college’s development priorities.
Dr Gilpin stressed that supporting Fourah Bay College was a responsibility that should be embraced by every Fourah Bay College alumnus and Sierra Leonean, describing the institution’s future as a matter of national importance.
Reflecting on his own experience at the college, he recalled the rigorous academic standards and quality of education that characterised his time there, expressing enthusiasm about the opportunity to contribute to its renewal.
He, however, raised concerns about changes to the campus environment, particularly the increasing use of the college grounds as a thoroughfare. He noted that the institution was originally intended to provide a secluded and conducive environment for students, academics and intellectual engagement.
He questioned aspects of the road construction and planning around the campus, suggesting that alternative routes could have been considered to minimise disruption to the academic environment. He stressed the need for greater consultation with the college on infrastructure decisions that affect its land, security and overall learning environment.
The bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Emmanuel Borbor, also reflected on the historical significance of Fourah Bay College, recalling its reputation as the ‘Athens of West Africa’ and its contribution to producing graduates who have made significant impacts both locally and internationally.
He acknowledged funding as one of the major challenges confronting the institution, noting that restoring its former glory would require collective commitment from alumni, corporate organisations, private institutions and other well-meaning stakeholders.
Borbor expressed optimism that institutions such as Rokel Commercial Bank would contribute financially and morally towards the college’s development projects and bicentenary fundraising activities. He also pledged personal and institutional involvement in mobilising the necessary support.
He called for renewed passion among stakeholders to restore the college’s reputation and standing, stressing that its rich history and legacy should inspire collective action towards securing its future.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by RCBank’s Head of Public Relations, Aruna Dunbuya, who expressed appreciation to the FBC delegation for the visit and reaffirmed the importance of strengthening cooperation between the bank and educational institutions.
The engagement forms part of Fourah Bay College’s broader efforts to secure partnerships and resources for its bicentenary celebrations, while using the milestone as an opportunity to address longstanding infrastructure challenges and strengthen its academic future.
