As Fourah Bay College (FBC) prepares to mark two centuries of academic excellence in 2027, Vice Chancellor and Principal, *Professor Aiah Lebbie* has issued an urgent appeal to stakeholders, stressing that funding remains “very critical” to commemorating the historic milestone in a fitting and transformative manner.
Addressing the University Court on 23 April 2026, Prof. Lebbie called on the private sector, public institutions, alumni, and international development partners to rally behind the nation’s oldest university college through sustained financial support.
*“We are appealing for sustained funding to the tune of $200 million,” he announced. “Funding is very critical in celebrating the FBC Bicentennial.”*
He emphasized that the landmark anniversary should go beyond ceremonial festivities, and reposition FBC for its third century of service to Sierra Leone and the wider African continent.
“We appeal for support from the private and public sectors, alumni, and development partners,” Prof. Lebbie stated, underscoring the collective responsibility to preserve and strengthen the legacy of the Mount Aureol institution.
The Bicentennial celebrations in 2027 will commemorate FBC’s founding in 1827, an institution that has produced generations of leaders across Africa. However, the Vice Chancellor cautioned that without substantial investment, the broader vision for a transformative celebration and long-term institutional renewal could be compromised.
Some alumni chapters have already welcomed the appeal, initiating internal discussions aimed at mobilising resources. The $200 million target reflects the scale of proposed interventions, including infrastructure rehabilitation, academic programme revitalisation, and a series of commemorative activities.
Earlier, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of FBC, Professor *Andrew Baio*, presented nine development pillars during the college’s 199th anniversary flag-raising ceremony. However, significant funding gaps remain, with many of the proposed projects yet to secure adequate financial backing.
In light of this, the University’s leadership is intensifying its call for coordinated financial support to achieve the $200 million funding goal and ensure that the Bicentennial becomes not only a celebration of history, but a launchpad for the future.

© *Dr. Tonya Musa*
Director of Communication and International Relations
University of Sierra Leone

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 4th May 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)