The Chancellor of the University of Sierra Leone, *PC Dr Margaret Baio Gbanie IV*, has described the official launch of UniPod Sierra Leone at the New Building, Fourah Bay College (FBC), as a transformative milestone in the country’s journey towards innovation-driven development, stressing that the initiative represents far more than the opening of a new facility.

The launch was graced by the Chief Minister, Dr David Moinina Sengeh, who represented His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio. Other distinguished dignitaries included the Minister of Technical and Higher Education and her Deputy; the Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation; the United Nations Resident Representative; other ministers of government; the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sierra Leone; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Fourah Bay College; senior government officials; members of the University administration; development partners; academics; students; and other invited guests.

Speaking at the ceremony, PC Dr Margaret Baio Gbanie IV said the establishment of UniPod embodies Sierra Leone’s commitment to harnessing higher education, research, technology, entrepreneurship and innovation as powerful catalysts for national transformation.

*A Legacy of Excellence Meets the Future of Innovation*

Reflecting on the nearly two-century history of Fourah Bay College, the Chancellor noted that the institution, founded on 18 February 1827, has long served as a beacon of higher education and intellectual leadership in West Africa, nurturing generations of leaders, scholars and professionals who have contributed immensely to national and regional development.

> “Long before innovation hubs became commonplace, the College was already a centre of intellectual inquiry, leadership and transformative ideas,” PC Dr Margaret Baio Gbanie IV said.
The Chancellor emphasised that the establishment of UniPod builds on this distinguished legacy while creating new opportunities for students, researchers, entrepreneurs and innovators to develop practical solutions to contemporary national challenges.

As Fourah Bay College approaches its historic Bicentennial in 2027, the launch of UniPod further reinforces the institution’s enduring commitment to intellectual excellence, creativity and national transformation.

*A Bridge Between Research, Enterprise and Society*

Describing UniPod as “a bridge between research and enterprise, classrooms and communities, academic knowledge and practical solutions,” PC Dr Margaret Baio Gbanie IV outlined an ambitious vision for the innovation hub.

> “UniPod should become a vibrant platform for applied research, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, product development and partnerships with industry. It should help transform ideas into practical solutions that contribute directly to Sierra Leone’s development.”

The Chancellor said this vision aligns with the Government’s national development priorities, particularly in the areas of human capital development, youth empowerment, technology, innovation and sustainable economic growth.

According to the Chancellor, the University must increasingly position itself not merely as a centre for teaching and awarding degrees, but as an institution capable of generating new knowledge, developing practical solutions and responding meaningfully to the country’s most pressing development challenges.

*Harnessing the Creativity of Sierra Leone’s Youth*

Central to the Chancellor’s address was a strong call to harness the creativity, energy and talents of young Sierra Leoneans in addressing national development challenges.

PC Dr Margaret Baio Gbanie IV observed that UniPod provides an important opportunity to equip young people with the environment, technology, mentorship, resources and partnerships needed to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions, viable products and sustainable enterprises.

> “A modern university must not only impart knowledge but also create it, solve societal challenges and contribute meaningfully to national progress,” the Chancellor declared.

She expressed confidence that UniPod would strengthen the University’s capacity to promote applied research, entrepreneurship, digital innovation and product development while connecting academic knowledge more directly with the needs of communities, industries and the wider economy.

*Presidential Representation and High-Level Support*

The presence of the Chief Minister, Dr David Moinina Sengeh, representing President Dr Julius Maada Bio, underscored the importance attached to education, research, science, technology and innovation in Sierra Leone’s national development agenda.

The high-level participation of the Minister of Technical and Higher Education and her Deputy, the Minister of Communication, Technology and Innovation, other government ministers, the United Nations Resident Representative and senior University officials also demonstrated the broad institutional and development partnership underpinning the UniPod initiative.

PC Dr Margaret Baio Gbanie IV expressed profound appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme for its continued partnership and support in making the initiative a reality. She also commended the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education, the University of Sierra Leone administration, Fourah Bay College and the UniPod team for their collective commitment to the success of the project.

*A New Chapter for Fourah Bay College and Sierra Leone*

Concluding her address, the Chancellor expressed the hope that UniPod would become an enduring centre of research, creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation, inspiring students and young innovators to pursue bold ideas capable of transforming communities and contributing to national development.

> “May UniPod become a centre of research, creativity and enterprise. May it strengthen the University’s contribution to national development, inspire our students to pursue bold ideas, and help shape a brighter future for Sierra Leone.”

The launch of UniPod Sierra Leone at the New Building, Fourah Bay College, on 9 July 2026, marks a significant new chapter in the University’s distinguished history. As FBC prepares to celebrate its Bicentennial in 2027, the initiative strengthens its enduring legacy as an institution of intellectual leadership while positioning the University of Sierra Leone as a dynamic force in Sierra Leone’s pursuit of innovation-led development, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic transformation.

Credit – Dr Tonya Musa

Director of Communication and International Relations University of Sierra Leone 

 Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 15th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)