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 a public appeal issued as part of the College’s Bicentennial celebration campaign, Shadi 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 also 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.
Shadi 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.
