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The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Fatima Maada Bio, has donated NLe500,000 towards the construction of a mosque at Fourah Bay College following a request from the institution’s Muslim Jamaat, while also revealing that her foundation has supported more than 100 students of the college through the payment of university fees.
Dr. Fatima Bio made the disclosure after delivering a public lecture at Fourah Bay College on Monday, May 25, 2026, where she addressed issues relating to child marriage and girls’ education in Sierra Leone and across Africa.
According to a statement issued by the First Lady after the event, she said she was honoured to speak at the institution and used the platform to reaffirm her commitment to the protection and empowerment of girls.
“I was honoured to deliver a public lecture at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, on ending child marriage and promoting girls’ education, reaffirming my commitment to empowering and protecting every girl child in Sierra Leone and across Africa,” she stated.
During the lecture, the First Lady highlighted gains recorded through the Hands Off Our Girls Campaign, which focuses on protecting girls from child marriage, sexual abuse, and other harmful practices affecting young women in the country.
She emphasised that education remains central to national growth and equality, stating that “education remains the foundation for freedom, equality, and national development.”
Dr. Fatima Bio further disclosed that through her foundation, over 100 students of Fourah Bay College have benefited from financial support through the payment of tuition fees. She noted that the support aligns with the human capital development agenda of President Julius Maada Bio.
The First Lady also announced a donation of NLe500,000 for the construction of a mosque at the college, describing the gesture as part of her support for the Muslim community at the institution.
“As a Muslim woman, I donated NLe500,000 towards the construction of a mosque following a request from the FBC Muslim Jamaat,” she said.
She concluded by expressing appreciation to the President of Fourah Bay College, Professor Vandy Manly, and the college community for what she described as a warm reception and invitation to the institution.
The event formed part of ongoing national conversations around girls’ empowerment, access to education, and social development in Sierra Leone.
