By Foday Moriba Conteh
During her declaration ceremony held on Monday, March 25, 2024, at the Amphitheatre on FBC Campus in Freetown, independent candidate Christiana Lansana outlined her aims, objectives and plans for the Fourah Bay College Students’ Union with the belief that the story will be different when the right person steps up with the right energy, passion and exceptional experience.
She emphasized her commitment to maximizing students’ welfare, promoting selfless and trusted leadership and implementing favourable and strategic reforms. Christiana Lansana’s plans include addressing issues related to quality education such as reference problems, missing grades and re-sit exams, ensuring timely publication of the academic calendar and grades, establishing exchange programs and scholarships, and advocating against fee increments while recognizing academic excellence.
Additionally, she intends to organize entertainment programs including comedy, drama, and talent exhibitions for edutainment purposes. Regarding clean water supply, she plans to write projects to the Government, partner with the Ministry of Water Resources, utilize ‘Botany’ and provide pumping machines and standby Milla Tanks.
For sufficient and affordable transportation, she aims to forge partnerships with the Ministry of Transportation and private transport sectors, ensure the availability of buses, and prioritize maintenance and comfort. Lansana also plans to establish sports teams including football, basketball and volleyball, and renovate sports fields to promote sporting activities.
To ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, she will engage with EDSA and provide standby generators as well as intending to create a Departmental Representative Council to ensure representation for all students.
Christiana Lansana’s declaration marks a commitment to enhancing the student experience at Fourah Bay College by addressing critical issues and implementing progressive reforms.
Many students who spoke to this medium expressed their full support for Christiana Lansana in her bid for the presidency of the Fourah Bay College Students’ Union.
Students maintain that Christiana Lansana’s emphasis on the need for change and her belief that the story will be different with the right leadership resonates deeply with them, adding that her dedication to bringing fresh energy, passion and exceptional experience to the Presidency is evident and they have the conviction that she has the qualities necessary to lead the FBC Students’ Union effectively.
Students in particular are impressed with Christiana’s commitment and zest to addressing the concerns and priorities of Fourah Bay College students. Her plans to improve campus facilities, enhance academic support services, and promote inclusivity and diversity within the college demonstrate her genuine concern for the welfare and success of all students.
In conclusion, students wholeheartedly endorse Christiana Lansana for President of the Fourah Bay College Students’ Union 2024. They urged their fellow students to join them in supporting her candidacy and working together to bring positive change to their beloved institution.
“Together, we can make a difference and with Christiana at the helm, we have confidence that our union will thrive,” they expressed optimism.
In a fair assessment of Christiana Lansana’s student leadership aspiration, it can be concluded that it goes beyond mere vying for an authoritative position as it embraces the ethos of selfless dedication. From her earliest days as a Senior Prefect at both the Junior and Senior Schools (Convent), to her roles as Financial Secretary, Vice-President, and the pioneering female President of the Sierra Leone Debating Council-FBC Chapter, and most recently as the outgoing Minister of Education at the Students’ Union Government-Fourah Bay College, Christiana has consistently exemplified a deep-seated commitment to embodying the principles of service.
For Christiana, the essence of Student Leadership lies in an unyielding devotion to serving her peers and guiding the institution toward a higher standard of excellence.
