The School of Postgraduate Studies and Fourah Bay College held a grand Congregation Ceremony at the Adjai Crowther Amphitheatre.

Conferring Doctorate, Master’s, Degree, Diploma, and Certificate awards on 2,551 graduates. The event was held under the theme: “Transformation: A Step into the Future With or Without Jobs.”

The ceremony attracted senior government officials, including the Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Sarjoh Aziz Kamara; the Chancellor of the University; the Vice Chancellor and Principal; members of the University Court; representatives of public and private universities; members of the diplomatic corps; and proud families of the graduates. Performances by the University Theatre Group, the Brass Band, the Bible Study Union, and the Confucius Institute added colour and excitement to the occasion.

Deputy Minister Sarjoh Aziz Kamara congratulated the 2025 graduating class and acknowledged the contributions of faculty, parents, and other dignitaries. He described graduation as a defining moment of pride and transition, noting that the world is undergoing rapid transformation driven by automation, artificial intelligence, and evolving job markets.

He stressed the importance of adaptability, innovation, critical thinking, and creativity as essential skills for success in today’s world. Drawing on his personal experience as a former student, he expressed confidence that the University of Sierra Leone continues to prepare graduates to meet national and global challenges.

The Deputy Minister reaffirmed government’s commitments—under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio—to human capital development, investment in higher education, and youth empowerment. He urged universities to strengthen industry partnerships, promote research, foster entrepreneurship, and encourage civic responsibility.

He also issued a strong warning against the growing kush (drug) crisis, describing it as a serious threat to national development. He challenged graduates to lead by example, avoid drug abuse, and help peers make positive life choices, in alignment with directives from the President.

He ended by thanking parents, sponsors, faculty, and the university leadership, while encouraging graduates to move forward with purpose, integrity, curiosity, and a spirit of service as they contribute to building a resilient and future-ready Sierra Leone.

Chancellor P.C. Margaret Catherine Baio-Gbanie congratulated graduates and reminded them that a degree represents the ability to respond to structured learning—not mastery of all knowledge in a field. She noted that graduates are now entering a less structured environment where they must take responsibility for their personal and professional growth.

She emphasized the importance of adaptability in a job market shaped by technological advancement and automation. The Chancellor highlighted that the university has equipped students with vital skills in teamwork, leadership, communication, problem-solving, and initiative—skills that remain valuable regardless of immediate employment prospects.

She urged graduates to uphold ethical behaviour, accountability, and transparency, while rejecting corruption. She also encouraged them to strengthen their digital competencies to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world.

Prof. Aaih Lebbie acknowledged dignitaries, faculty, parents, and students, noting that 5,301 students graduated in 2025, including 650 postgraduates and 19 PhD holders. She highlighted several key achievements recorded over the past 19 months, including:

Launch of online MBA programmes and new master’s degrees in Law and Social Work;

Acquisition of a university bus, canopies, and a PA system;

Completion of a six-storey University Secretariat building;

Establishment of new recreational facilities for students; and

Agricultural innovation on 11 acres of land in Lunsar, including cassava cultivation, with plans for student-led processing and marketing

Prof. Lebbie emphasized the university’s efforts to address infrastructure challenges and land encroachment. She encouraged graduates to embody the theme “Transformation: A Step into the Future With or Without Jobs” by:

Viewing challenges as opportunities;

Being fearless, resilient, and adventurous like the African “Kasungo”;

Innovating and creating new enterprises; and

Combining curiosity, creativity, leadership, integrity, and critical thinking to shape their futures.

She issued a special challenge to engineering students to modernize the traditional molankeh tool, offering a prize of Le 40,000 for a successful innovation.

She concluded by urging graduates to remain lifelong learners and to express gratitude to mentors, families, and all who supported their journey.

University Registrar Munda J. S. Lebbie welcomed dignitaries and celebrated both postgraduate students and undergraduate graduates for their perseverance and dedication. He acknowledged the hard work, discipline, and resilience required to complete advanced studies. He also praised lecturers, supervisors, and families for their support, and commended the performances of the Brass Band, University Theatre Group, and Confucius Institute.

He encouraged graduates to apply their knowledge with integrity as they assume roles in leadership, research, innovation, and national development. The ceremony concluded with warm congratulations and expressions of pride in the achievements of the graduating class.