Freetown, July 29, 2026 — The Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, on Wednesday conducted an inspection of restoration works at the historic Old Fourah Bay College building in Cline Town.
He was accompanied by the Minister and Deputy Minister of Higher and Technical Education, the Deputy Minister of Water Resources, and other senior government officials. The visit assessed progress on the renovation of the mid-19th-century structure, which is financed by the United States Embassy’s Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.
Upon completion, the building is expected to serve as a centre for training, research, cultural exhibitions and the preservation of national heritage. The project forms part of broader efforts to safeguard historic monuments while advancing education, tourism and skills development.
In a statement issued following the inspection, Dr. Sengeh noted that Fourah Bay College, established in 1827, was the first Western-style university in sub-Saharan Africa.
The original building subsequently housed the headquarters of the Sierra Leone Government Railway and a magistrate’s court. It was declared a National Monument in 1955, provided shelter for displaced persons during the civil conflict, and sustained fire damage in 1999.
Discussions regarding the site’s restoration commenced in 2018. Subsequent collaboration with the late P.J. Cole, the Monuments and Relics Commission, and Moroccan architect and TED Fellow Professor Aziza Chaouni led to the securing of grants and the commencement of works by local engineers.
The inspection highlighted technical innovations, including a patented brick designed to permit airflow while excluding water, as well as the training of young Sierra Leoneans in engineering, welding and reconstruction skills through community engagement.
Phase one of the project is scheduled for completion before the institution’s bicentenary. President Julius Maada Bio is expected to inaugurate the restored facility, underscoring the administration’s commitment to reviving Sierra Leone’s historic educational legacy.
