My Lord, the Hon. Chief Justice and Chairman of the Council of Legal Education – Hon. Justice Komba Kamanda, My Lords and My Ladies, The Hon. Attorney General and Minister of Justice – Alpha Sesay Esq, Government Ministers (past and present), The Secretary to the President – Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, Madam Binta Mansaray, Registrar of the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone, His Excellency, the Ghanian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone – Dr Senalor Yawlui, the President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association – Mrs. Tuma Gento-Kamara, the Director of the Sierra Leone Law School – Dr. Abu Bakarr Bangura, Distinguished Heads of justice sector institutions, Honoured Guests, Good evening to you all.
It’s an honour and a privilege to welcome you all to this momentous occasion—the Sierra Leone Law School Fundraising Dinner and the 2nd Terminal Dinner.
Tonight, we unite under the compelling theme: “Building a Legacy of Justice Through Legal Education.” This theme underscores the profound impact that legal education has on shaping a just and equitable society. It is through the cultivation of knowledgeable, ethical, and dedicated legal professionals that we uphold the principles of justice, safeguard rights, and contribute to the progressive development of Sierra Leone.
Please allow me to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed government officials present this evening. Your attendance reflects a steadfast commitment to advancing legal education and justice reform within our nation.
To our valued partners from the private sector, business community, and professional associations—your collaboration is indispensable. The legal profession intersects with all facets of society, and your support ensures that graduates from the Sierra Leone Law School are not only well-versed in the law, but that they are also equipped to drive development across various sectors. To the tutors, alumni, students, and well-wishers—your unwavering dedication sustains the lifeblood of the Sierra Leone Law School. Tonight, we celebrate our collective achievements and, more importantly, rally together for the journey ahead.
Established in 1989, under the Council of Legal Education Act, the Sierra Leone Law School was founded to provide local professional training for aspiring legal practitioners. Prior to its inception, Sierra Leonean students were compelled to seek legal education abroad, primarily in Nigeria or the United Kingdom. The establishment of the Law School marked a pivotal moment in our nation’s legal history, allowing students to receive comprehensive training within our own boarders.
Since its founding, some 35/36 years ago, the Law School has produced over 2800 graduates who have gone on to serve as lawyers, judges, legislators, human rights advocates, entrepreneurs, and leaders both nationally and internationally. Notably, all Attorneys General and Chief Justices who have served in Sierra Leone since 1990 are alumni of this esteemed institution, underscoring its critical role in shaping the legal landscape of our country.
Despite this rich legacy, the Sierra Leone Law School faces significant challenges that hinder its ability to meet the growing demand for legal education. Traditionally, Fourah Bay College was the primary feeder institution for the Law School. However, with the emergence of the University of Makeni, Njala University, and other private legal institutions, the pool of applicants has expanded considerably.
In the 2023–2024 academic year alone, 347 students were admitted to the Sierra Leone Law School. This surge in applications has placed immense pressure on the school’s existing infrastructure and resources. Currently, the Sierra Leone Law School operates from facilities that are inadequate to accommodate this influx. This limited capacity has regrettably led to the deferment of qualified applicants to subsequent academic sessions—a disservice to aspiring legal professionals and a setback to our nation’s commitment to human capital development. Moreover, the rapid evolution of legal practice necessitates the integration of modern technology into the curriculum of the Sierra Leone Law School, a feat challenging to achieve within the current constraints.
It is in response to these challenges that the Management of the Law School and the Council of Legal Education have embarked on an ambitious project: The construction of a State-of-the-art, multi-purpose five-story facility on its estate on Jomo Kenyatta Road. This modern complex is designed to include: spacious lecture halls, comprehensive law library, hostel, administrative Offices, spacious car park and cafeteria. The Director of the SL Law school is a true visionary.
This building project is not merely about expanding physical space; it represents a commitment to elevating the standard of legal education in Sierra Leone, ensuring that graduates are prepared to meet both local and global challenges in the legal profession.
The enhancement of the Sierra Leone Law School is an investment in the justice sector that is directly tied to His Excellency, President Dr. (Rtd). Brigadier Julius Maada Bio’s Governance and Human Capital Development aspirations. As a result, this vision was well articulated in the newly developed Sierra Leone’s Justice Sector Reform Strategy (2024-2030) that was launched by H.E. the President in September last year. The construction of the Sierra Leone Law School therefore aligns seamlessly with the Government’s “Big Five” agenda, particularly the pillar focused on Human Capital Development. Legal education is a cornerstone of national capacity-building. Well-trained legal professionals are essential for upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice, and fostering an environment conducive to economic and social development.
Tonight, as we gather in fellowship and shared purpose, I extend a heartfelt invitation to each and every one of you to invest in the future of legal education in Sierra Leone. By doing so, you will be helping in “Building a Legacy of Justice Through Legal Education,” – the theme of this fund-raising event. Your generous contributions will directly support the realization of the new Law School facility, thereby empowering generations of legal professionals to come.
Together, we have the opportunity to build an institution that not only meets the current demands but also anticipates and adapts to the future needs of our society. Let us seize this moment to make a lasting impact. By supporting this initiative, we are not only enhancing an institution but also reinforcing the pillars of justice, equity, and progress upon which our nation stands.
In closing, I express profound gratitude for your presence and support. The journey ahead is ambitious, but with collective effort and shared vision, it is undoubtedly attainable. Let us move forward together, building a legacy of justice through unwavering commitment to legal education.
Thank you all for listening, and hope you will enjoy the rest of the evening.
Thank you very much
I’ll now call on my co-host, Phebean Swill, who needs no introduction. – she’s a TV and radio presenter, an actress and an event host.
Phebean, you are welcome on stage.