FREETOWN – The management of Fourah Bay College (FBC), University of Sierra Leone, has dismissed as “false and unfounded” reports circulating on social media alleging that the institution has sold its staff quarters.
In a press release issued today by Dr. Tonya Musa, Director of Communications and International Relations, the administration categorically stated that no university quarters have been sold and described the claims as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
The allegations were fueled by Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, Opposition Chief Whip in Parliament, who had recently raised concerns over what he described as the government’s failure to protect FBC’s property.
Speaking in Parliament, Kamara alleged that the current administration had presided over the “sale of FBC staff quarters,” a claim that has since attracted wide public attention and stirred anxiety among staff and students.
University officials, however, maintain that the real issue lies in persistent land encroachment around the college. They pointed to a High Court judgment delivered on July 11, 2024, by Justice Unisa Kamara, which declared FBC the lawful owner of the Tree Planting Axis land and ordered that it be handed over to the college.
Despite this ruling, the college says it has been unable to reclaim the land due to “security concerns.”
According to the statement, the delay in implementing the court order has far-reaching consequences, including restricting the college’s expansion plans ahead of its 200th anniversary in 2027, threatening the safety of staff and students, and endangering the historic Botanical Garden and Freetown’s vital water catchment area.
The administration has therefore called on government authorities, the security sector, and all stakeholders to act swiftly in enforcing the judgment and safeguarding FBC’s heritage.