Established in 1827, Fourah Bay College, located in Freetown, Sierra Leone, is one of the oldest educational institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa. It also holds the distinction of being the first Western-style university in West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Originally founded as an Anglican missionary school to train African clergy, the college grew to became a fully-fledged university, serving as a beacon of higher education in the region.
In 1876-1997, Fourah Bay College was affiliated with Durham University. Today, it is a constituent college of the University of Sierra Leone (USL).
Foundation and Early History
Fourah Bay College was founded in February 1827 by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) with the primary goal of training teachers and religious leaders. It was an Anglican missionary school supported by Charles MacCarthy, the governor of Sierra Leone.
The institution was named after the village of Fourah Bay, where it was originally located. The first principal, Reverend Edward Jones, was an African-American missionary and educator, born in South Carolina, USA, who played a crucial role in shaping the college’s early curriculum and direction.
The first student enrolled at Fourah Bay College was Samuel Ajayi Crowther (1809-1891), who would grow up to be a clergyman, Yoruba linguist, and the first African Anglican bishop of West Africa. He was ordained as a minister in England and recieved a doctoral degree from Oxford University.
Another example of a prominent early student at Fourah Bay College is Lamina Sanko (1884-1964) who was born near Freetown to ethnic Creole parents and graduated Fourah Bay College with a Bachelor of Arts degree before moving to Oxford, England to study theology and philosophy at Wycliffe Hall, matriculating in 1921. Born Etheldred Nathaniel Jones, he changed his name to Lamina Sankoh in the 1920s. Sankoh became a notable Sierra Leone Creoloe pre-independence politician, cleric, educator, and banker, and helped found the Peoples Party in 1948.
Development and Expansion
Initially, the college focused on theological studies and the training of clergy for the Anglican Church. However, as the years passed, the curriculum expanded to include a broader range of subjects, reflecting the growing demand for educated professionals in various fields.
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Fourah Bay College attracted students from across West Africa and beyond, and several new excellent schools were also established in the area which grew into a hub for learning. Freetown became known as the “Athens of Africa” due to its reputation as a center of education and scholarship. Many of the region’s future leaders, scholars, and professionals were educated at Fourah Bay College, contributing to its prestige.
In 1876, Fourah Bay College became affiliated with the University of Durham in England, allowing its students to earn degrees recognized internationally. This affiliation further enhanced the college’s reputation and solidified its role as a leading educational institution in Africa.
The college’s curriculum continued to evolve, with the introduction of courses in the arts, sciences, and humanities. By the mid-20th century, Fourah Bay College had developed into a fully-fledged modern university, offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in a wide range of disciplines. The college produced many distinguished academics and professionals who contributed to the development of education, law, medicine, and other fields across Africa and abroad.
Role in African Education and Independence
Fourah Bay College played a significant role in the intellectual and political development of West Africa during the colonial period, and the institution produced many of the region’s leaders – including politicians, educators, and activists who were instrumental in the struggle for independence from colonial rule. Notable alumni include Sierra Leone’s first Prime Minister, Sir Milton Margai, and the country’s first President, Siaka Stevens.
The Unrest of 1985
In 1985, unrest broke out at Fourah Bay College following a purge of individuals suspected of militancy inspired by the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Modern Era
Today, Fourah Bay College is a constituent college of the University of Sierra Leone. It continues to be a vital center of higher education in the region, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including the arts, sciences, engineering, law, and social sciences.
The college has faced challenges over the years, including political instability and economic difficulties in Sierra Leone. However, it remains committed to its mission of providing quality education and contributing to the intellectual and social development of the country and the wider region.
The Old Fourah Bay College Building
The Old Fourah Bay College Building was in regular use until World War II, when classes were temporarily moved away from Freetown. When the war was over, it became the headquarters of the Sierra Leone Government Railway, and then a Magistrate court. In 1955, it was declared a National Monument.
By the early 1990s, the building was no longer in use, and in 1999 a fire broke out.
Final Thoughts
Fourah Bay College stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of education in West Africa. From its humble beginnings as a missionary school, it has grown into a leading institution of higher learning, shaping the minds and futures of generations of Africans. Its history is intertwined with the broader history of the region, reflecting the struggles, triumphs, and aspirations of its people.