By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a bid to support student welfare and enhance the matriculation experience for first-year students, the Generals Entity at Fourah Bay College (FBC), in collaboration with Capitol Foods, on Thursday, March 26, 2026, provided refreshments to over 1,000 newly admitted students during the matriculation ceremony held at the Fourah Bay College Amphitheatre.
The support package included Sierra Juice, Sierra Water and other refreshments, which were distributed to matriculating students after signing the University Register, marking their official admission into the college.
In his address, Moreh Tarawallie, Coordinator of the General Entity at Fourah Bay College, noted that the initiative was aimed at welcoming newly admitted students and helping them develop a sense of belonging as they begin their academic journey at the college, while also complementing the efforts of the college administration.
He emphasized the importance of supporting students during major academic milestones, particularly matriculation, which marks the formal entry of students into university life. He added that, as an entity, they believe every student matters regardless of background or circumstance.
Moreh Tarawallie further expressed gratitude to Capitol Foods for partnering with the entity to provide refreshments to students, noting that the support has gone a long way in enhancing the matriculation experience.
Delivering a message to newly admitted students, he welcomed them to Fourah Bay College and encouraged them to remain focused on their academic goals. He urged them to avoid distractions, maintain discipline and make effective use of available academic support systems to ensure the successful completion of their studies.
Cecilia I.P. Koroma, Marketing Officer at Capitol Foods, expressed delight in partnering with the Generals Entity to contribute to the success of the matriculation ceremony at Fourah Bay College. According to her, the donation forms part of the company’s commitment to supporting education and youth development across Sierra Leone through community engagement and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
She noted that Capitol Foods remains one of the country’s leading producers of 100 percent natural fruit juice and bottled water, with products including Sierra Juice and Sierra Water. Cecilia I.P. Koroma encouraged students to patronize Capitol Foods products, describing them as refreshing and emphasizing that every purchase contributes to the company’s efforts to give back to society.
Liberator George T. M’bayoh, Liberator of the Liberals Brotherhood at Fourah Bay College, underscored the importance of student-led support initiatives in promoting a conducive learning environment for newly admitted students.
He explained that the Generals Entity has, over the years, embarked on various initiatives aimed at supporting students and complementing the efforts of the college administration. He emphasized that the responsibility for improving the student experience does not lie solely with the administration but also with students, who must play an active role in supporting institutional development.
According to him, the Generals Entity has contributed significantly to student welfare and campus development through multiple interventions. He noted that the entity has been involved in infrastructure improvements on campus, including the construction of the Airport and other student-support facilities, as well as initiatives aimed at strengthening discipline and promoting positive behavior among students.
Liberator M’bayoh further highlighted the Generals Entity’s role in enforcing rules that promote responsible conduct on campus. He noted that the entity has been actively engaged in sensitization campaigns against drug abuse, examination malpractice and other forms of misconduct, while also providing guidance to students facing academic and social challenges.
According to him, the entity has been providing tutorial support across various academic departments, helping students access learning materials and academic guidance necessary for success. He encouraged students experiencing difficulties to seek assistance through established support channels, assuring them that solutions are available through collaborative efforts.
Addressing misconceptions about student clubs, Liberator M’bayoh stressed that the Generals Entity is governed by strict rules and values discipline and academic excellence. He noted that members are encouraged to maintain good behavior and avoid activities that could undermine their academic progress or tarnish the reputation of the entity.
The Liberator concluded by encouraging new matriculants to remain steadfast throughout their academic journey, noting that their time at the university, typically lasting four to five years, should be used productively to build a strong academic foundation and contribute positively to campus life.
On his part, Brima Bah, Deputy Registrar at Fourah Bay College, commended the Generals Entity and Capitol Foods for supporting newly admitted students, describing the initiative as a significant gesture toward improving student welfare and complementing the efforts of the college administration.
According to him, the college is at a stage where it requires the collective support of individuals, organizations and businesses interested in the growth and development of education in Sierra Leone. Brima Bah further noted that the growing student population places additional pressure on available resources and facilities, making partnerships with the private sector increasingly important.
He also commended student-led initiatives, particularly the Generals Entity, for mobilizing resources and collaborating with corporate partners to support fellow students. He described such initiatives as a demonstration of leadership, innovation and commitment to the welfare of the student body.
In conclusion, the Deputy Registrar encouraged students, alumni and corporate organizations to continue working closely with the college administration to support development efforts. He emphasized that collective contributions from all stakeholders would help strengthen institutional capacity and improve the overall learning environment at Fourah Bay College.
Many of the matriculating students who benefited expressed appreciation to the Generals Entity and Capitol Foods for the support, describing the refreshments as timely and encouraging, especially during the long matriculation proceedings. Some students noted that such gestures contribute positively to creating a welcoming and supportive campus environment.
The matriculation ceremony at Fourah Bay College, one of Sierra Leone’s oldest tertiary institutions, attracted a large gathering of students, faculty members, parents and invited guests. The collaboration between the Generals Entity and Capitol Foods was widely viewed as a meaningful contribution to the success of the event and a demonstration of continued support for student-centered initiatives at the college.
