BY SAHR ERIC DUMBAR MATTURI
The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mrs. Nabeela F. Tunis, has praised the ongoing restoration of the historic Fourah Bay College building, describing the project as a critical milestone in preserving Sierra Leone’s heritage. The initiative will transform the site into a multipurpose cultural facility featuring a performance theatre, museum, education centre, and community space. It integrates heritage conservation with skills training, youth engagement, and economic development.
Minister Tunis called the project a landmark national initiative that goes beyond physical restoration, reaffirming Sierra Leone’s respect for history, cultural confidence, and national identity. She commended West Africa Heritage Consultants (SL) Ltd and its Managing Director, Ms. Isatu Smith, for their perseverance, and thanked the Commonwealth Heritage Forum, the United States Embassy, and other partners for their support.
She highlighted Fourah Bay College’s unique status as the first Western-style higher learning institution in Sub-Saharan Africa, noting that the Old FBC building stands as a living testament to academic excellence and intellectual leadership. The Minister observed that the building’s deterioration had threatened to erase a vital part of the nation’s collective memory, but timely intervention has now safeguarded its legacy.
Reaffirming her ministry’s commitment to heritage preservation, Tunis pointed to Sierra Leone’s upcoming 2026 Year of Culture and Creativity, recognizing culture as a key driver of tourism, identity, and economic growth.
Ms. Isatu Smith, International Advisory Committee Member of the Commonwealth Heritage Forum and Project Manager, announced that Ballanta Academy has been selected to provide creative skills training at the site through community and educational engagement.
Lead Project Consultant and Architect Steven Battle of the World Monuments Fund explained that the current phase focuses on installing a new roof, stabilizing the structure, and enabling productive use of the ground floor. Future phases will restore additional floors while preserving the building’s historic character. He commended the Minister and the Monuments and Relics Commission for their sustained support.
The British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Ms. Josephine Gauld LVO, underscored the regional and continental importance of Old Fourah Bay College, noting the international recognition and technical expertise behind the restoration. Similar sentiments were expressed by representatives of the United States Embassy in Sierra Leone.
