The Chief Executive Officer of Africell Sierra Leone, Shadi Al-Gerjawi, has called on the private sector,
investors, alumni, development partners and friends of Fourah Bay College (FBC) to unite in support of
an ambitious campaign to transform and modernize Sierra Leone’s oldest institution of higher learning
ahead of its historic 200th anniversary in 2027.
In a public appeal issued as part of the College’s Bicentennial celebration campaign, Al-Gerjawi, who
described himself as a proud Fourahbite, urged stakeholders to invest in the future of the institution and
help preserve its rich academic legacy for generations to come.
He emphasized that Fourah Bay College has played a pivotal role in producing leaders and professionals
who have contributed significantly to Sierra Leone and the wider African continent. He noted that the
bicentennial celebration presents a unique opportunity to reposition the institution as a modern centre
of excellence.
Using the campaign slogan, “A Legacy Worth Transforming. A Future Worth Building,” the Africell Sierra
Leone CEO appealed to the private sector, investors, friends and alumni to partner with the College in
implementing major infrastructure and innovation projects that will strengthen its academic
environment.
According to the campaign, priority development projects include the construction of improved toll road
infrastructure, a mini stadium, a multipurpose building, student hostels, and expanded digitization and
innovation facilities aimed at enhancing teaching, learning and research.
Al-Gerjawi stressed that collective action is essential to ensure the institution remains competitive and
continues producing graduates capable of driving national development.
He further encouraged all Fourah Bay College alumni and supporters to contribute towards the
transformation agenda, stating that the initiative is about building a lasting legacy that will inspire the
next 200 years.
The campaign concludes with a strong call for national support under the theme: “Invest in Our
Heritage. Transform Our Future. Support FBC @ 200 – Together, We Can Make It Happen.”
The bicentennial celebration marks a historic milestone for Fourah Bay College, which was established in
1827 and remains one of West Africa’s most respected institutions of higher education.
The anniversary is expected to bring together alumni, government officials, development partners, corporate institutions
and friends of the College in support of its long-term transformation and modernization agenda.