By Thaimu T Kamara
Fourah Bay College (FBC) Muslim Jama’at on Saturday, 17th May 2026, officially turned the sod for the construction of a new mosque aimed at serving the growing Muslim student and staff population of the institution.
The ceremony, which attracted students, university authorities, alumni, religious leaders, and community members, marked a significant milestone in the religious and social development of Fourah Bay College, one of Sierra Leone’s oldest higher educational institutions.
The programme commenced with opening prayers, creating a solemn and spiritual atmosphere for the historic occasion. Mohamed S. Koroma later introduced the Chairman of the event and welcomed guests and participants who gathered to witness the beginning of the mosque construction project.
Delivering his statement during the programme, the Deputy Registrar of Fourah Bay College, Mr. Brima Bah, spoke extensively on the role of Islam in promoting peace, discipline, unity, and moral values within society. He noted that the construction of a new mosque would not only provide a better place of worship for Muslims on campus but would also contribute to strengthening religious harmony and student welfare.
Mr. Bah expressed happiness on behalf of the university staff for what he described as a “timely and commendable development.” He further appreciated all individuals, groups, and donors who have contributed financially and morally towards the realization of the mosque project.
Also addressing the gathering was the Imam of the University of Sierra Leone, Sheikh Ahmed Fuad Bangura, who emphasized the importance of Islam and the blessings attached to supporting religious causes. According to him, building a mosque is a continuous charity that carries great rewards from Allah.
He explained that Islam encourages unity, brotherhood, compassion, and peaceful coexistence among people, especially within academic communities where students from different backgrounds come together.
“The mosque is not only a place for prayer, but also a center for guidance, learning, discipline, and unity,” Sheikh Bangura stated.
The Imam encouraged students, alumni, staff members, and well-wishers to actively support the mosque construction project through donations and other forms of assistance. He announced that contributions can be made through the Fourah Bay College Muslims Account with account number 5401 -1031 -000437-1
A brief history of the FBC Masjid was later presented by Professor Karim, who explained that the current mosque facility has over the years become too small to accommodate the increasing number of Muslim worshippers on campus.
According to him, the need for expansion became more urgent as the Muslim population within the college continued to grow steadily. He described the sod-turning ceremony as the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Islamic development at Fourah Bay College.
Professor Karim also praised former and current members of the Muslim Jama’at for maintaining unity and commitment towards achieving the dream of constructing a larger and more comfortable mosque for future generations.
Fundraising activities formed an important part of the event as organizers encouraged attendees to donate any amount towards the construction project for the sake of Allah. Several participants made financial pledges and contributions during the programme in support of the initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the Fourah Bay College Alumni, Dr. Ibrahim S. Kamara reflected on the early history of the mosque and how previous students worked collectively to establish and sustain the Muslim community on campus.
Dr. Kamara stressed the importance of supporting Islam through acts of charity, helping the poor and needy, and contributing to the building of the House of Allah. He noted that such acts are considered blessings and investments in both this life and the hereafter.
He further encouraged young people to remain committed to religious values, unity, and community service, adding that the mosque project would leave a lasting legacy for future generations of students at Fourah Bay College.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Yahya John Foday, who expressed appreciation to all attendees, organizers, donors, and supporters for contributing to the success of the occasion.
The sod-turning ceremony is widely viewed as a major step toward improving religious infrastructure at Fourah Bay College and strengthening the Muslim community within the university.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 20th May 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
