Professor Andrew Baio*, Deputy Vice Chancellor, FBC.

As Fourah Bay College (FBC) prepares to celebrate its historic bicentennial in February 2027, the institution is intensifying efforts to secure a transformative future for one of  Africa’s oldest universities. Leading the charge is *Professor Andrew Baio*, Deputy Vice Chancellor, who is spearheading a nationwide mobilization campaign to fund ambitious infrastructure and modernization projects under the theme of building “the next 100 years” of FBC.

Rather than focusing solely on the institution’s illustrious past, Professor Baio is rallying alumni, development partners, government institutions, and the private sector around a central question: *“What kind of FBC do we want to see for the next century?”*

Through a series of strategic engagements with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as corporate organizations and development stakeholders, Professor Baio and the Bicentennial Anniversary Committee are promoting a portfolio of transformational, bankable projects designed to reposition FBC as a modern, globally competitive institution.

Priority Projects for the Bicentennial Agenda
The committee has identified several flagship initiatives aimed at strengthening infrastructure, sustainability, security, research, and digital transformation across the campus. *Key projects include:*

Campus Security and Infrastructure Development: Construction of a perimeter fence to address land encroachment and improve campus security.
Water Security and Sustainability: Expansion of the Gloucester Dam through raised dam walls, development of boreholes and rainwater harvesting systems, and exploration of a commercial water bottling initiative leveraging the college’s natural springs.
Road Rehabilitation: Modernization and resurfacing of approximately four kilometres of campus roads to improve accessibility and safety, particularly during the rainy season.
Bicentennial Monument: Construction of a landmark monument overlooking the Atlantic Ocean to commemorate FBC’s 200-year legacy.
Education Endowment Fund: Establishment of a sustainable fund to support research, scholarships, staff development, and academic programmes.
Multipurpose Academic Facility: Construction of a modern multipurpose building to expand academic and administrative capacity.
Alternative Energy and Digitization: Expansion of solar energy systems to support digitisation, virtual learning, and reduced dependence on the national grid.
Campus Beautification: A comprehensive landscaping and beautification initiative aimed at restoring the prestige and aesthetics of the historic “Athens of West Africa.”
*“We are not simply commemorating the past; we are constructing the future,”* Professor Baio stated. “These are strategic investments that will position Fourah Bay College for another century of excellence. This is a national project, and we are calling on all Fourabites and partners to contribute meaningfully to this historic transformation.”

Growing Momentum and National Support
Momentum for the bicentennial celebration continues to grow

In May, the Sierra Leone Alumni Chapter organized a colourful float parade through the streets of Freetown, drawing widespread public attention and rekindling pride among alumni and supporters. The parade followed a successful high-level fundraising cocktail event that set the tone for the institution’s broader resource mobilization drive.

At the same time, the resource mobilization committee is conducting an extensive alumni data collection exercise during visits to MDAs and institutions across the country. The initiative seeks to compile a comprehensive database of Fourabites, including names, professional designations, email addresses, and phone contacts, to ensure broad participation in the bicentennial activities and strengthen alumni engagement globally.

The estimated funding target for the proposed transformational projects is approximately *US$200* million.

*Flagship Fundraising Dinner on the Horizon*

As preparations intensify, the university is also planning a major flagship fundraising dinner, expected to bring together senior government officials, business leaders, policymakers, diplomats, alumni, and development partners in support of the bicentennial vision.

With a clear roadmap, energetic leadership, and growing national momentum, Fourah Bay College is positioning itself not only to celebrate two centuries of academic excellence, but also to usher in a bold new era of innovation, modernization, and institutional renewal.

As Professor Baio continues engaging stakeholders across the country, one message remains clear: the spirit of Fourah Bay College endures, and its future is now being rebuilt for generations to come.

Credit – Dr. Tonya Musa
Director of Communication and International Relations

University of Sierra Leone 

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wenesday, 24th June 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)