Regarding a brief overview of my role, the following applies: -

• Accountable for the association’s strategic aims, resources, objectives, plans and ensuring the vision and mission.

• Accountable for the creation of the organisation’s Near, Medium- and Long-Term Plans which will be detailed over my tenure as Chair as a Working Document better described as a ROAD MAP and prepared as the legacy for this executive body which will be inherited by future administrations.

• Work in conjunction with all leads of the various committees (i.e. , Governance, Finance - Fundraising & Bid Writing, PR & Comms, External Relations - UK & SL for the management and delivery of the association’s strategic aims and objectives owned per committee and progressed to completion.

• Chair all executive and membership meetings providing periodic updates regarding key developments at group meetings so members have full awareness of the purpose, activities and functions being undertaken by the group.

• Report at regular intervals to the Board of Trustees regarding the management of the association and the executive team’s adherence to our strategic aims and objectives.

• Final Sign-Off on all relevant and external documentation denoting legislative change or significant change in administrative and/or structural processes.

• Headhunt vetted global talent where possible from a plethora of alumni, friends and supporters including networking with external consultants who are in a position to offer added value skills/ specialisms, contacts and resources to enhance the association’s vision and delivery of services/projects for the direct benefit of FBC and its brand.

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As a reference point, my role as Chair at our inaugural symposium which was held at the end of October 2021 at St Marys University, Twickenham London UK in conjunction with our events team was to set the stage for the theme- Fourah Bay College ‘The Past, Present and The Way Forward’ which was jointly examined by all In-Person and Virtual attendees as a Sierra Leonean and West African institution that was at the heart of the description of Sierra Leone as ‘Athens of West Africa/Africa (arguably)’.

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In addition, the other tasks on the day were the launch of
1) A Scholarship Tuition Fund and Mentorship Programme and
2) The website https://www.fbcaauk.org.uk

 

The event clearly demonstrated how the creation of a global community can be capitalised on, via a hybrid platform. In tandem with this was the launch of https://www.fbcaauk.org.uk demonstrating a 24/7 online capability of interacting with our stakeholders and its enormous potential for further collaboration, development of features and provision of benefits.

In this regard, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Alfred Syl-Turay, the Public Relations & Communications Lead for his initiative and efforts as a web designer and team leader in the creation of this website. This is much appreciated.

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With reference to our inaugural symposium, I would also like to thank our distinguished ladies and gentlemen, guests, alumni, friends/supporters including performing artistes who joined us as speakers, panellists, attendees/delegates and entertainers on the day. FBC AA UK also appreciated the contribution of the management of St Mary’s University for their cooperation in our preparation as our events team led our indefatigable Organising Secretary, Ms Madonna Tucker-Coward thoroughly enjoyed working with them to make the event a success. Deep appreciation is accorded to the FBC AA UK Events Team and our sponsors i.e., Countdown Bar & Restaurant in Battersea, London, The Mortgage Option in Washington DC, USA and AYV London Head Office for their generosity and support.

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This ‘Big Idea’ in relation to the historical tertiary education sector in modern sub-Saharan Africa from my perspective as Chair is that since the founding of the University of Timbuktu in the Malian empire in the late 16th and early 17th century, the founding of Fourah Bay College in 1827 which was the fulcrum of Freetown, Sierra Leone’s description as the ‘Athens of West Africa/Africa’ was the next significant development of this type in the region in the 19th century.

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For the records, the UNESCO’s website states that Fourah Bay College is the first institution of higher learning in the region since the collapse of the University of Timbuktu. Within this context, it is important to also emphasise at this point that this historic African institution will also be commemorating its 200th anniversary in 2027.

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My gratitude and appreciation also extend to Mrs Henrietta Harding, and team who initiated and successfully led a Zoom Fundraising Campaign that raised in excess of £2,000 for our Library Project. This sentiment is also extended to Reverend Oliver Louis Harding, Prof Miriam Conteh-Morgan, University Librarian, University of Sierra Leone and Dr Sallyanne Decker, former secretary and trustee, FBC AA UK who initially took a sample of books to Freetown in November 2019 and had a dialogue with Professor Conteh-Morgan about the relevance of the texts.

Another near/medium term project being borne in mind is with reference to the library’s international connectivity and assistance and support of the new Data Centre.

I would be remiss if I did not mention an example of a relevant and contemporaneous case study where alumni have collaborated and implementation to date that has met with a high degree of success. This is the achievement of Engineers for Change SL with reference to the establishment of an Innovation Hub within the Faculty of Engineering in conjunction and collaboration with The Sierra Leone Institute of Engineers, Imperial College London, The Royal Academy of Engineering and other international organisations. Striking features of this collaboration are the current mentoring of Engineering Staff and review of the syllabus by Imperial College lecturers. In addition, students studying engineering are now able to have their degrees recognised by UK and international professional institutions.

In concluding, I wish all of you a prosperous and healthy 2022 on behalf of FBC AA UK and look forward to your involvement and/or support in a myriad of ways as we travel on this exciting and progressive journey together to ensure this institution of impeccable past pedigree is restored to its former glory, rightful position and prominence on the world stage for yet unborn generations.

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Magnus Cole

Chair
Fourah Bay College Alumni Association UK
London, England