The Department of Human Kinetics and Sports at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone (FBC-USL), formally presented certificates of merit to about 12 students.

By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

On Friday July 12th, 2024 at the Multi-Purpose Hall at Fourah Bay College campus, the event attracted several personalities from all walks of life.

In his speech, Sarh Morris Jr., President of Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL), said the ambition of the certification among other things was to enhance creativity and meant to set academic standards to ensure efficiency and discipline in the sport.

Speaking during the session, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) of Fourah Bay College (FBC), Professor, Ing. Kalleh Gbawuru Mansaray, said the certification was a move to continue in rolling out the university’s goal under his immaculate “supervisory watch.”

He stated that management works in continuity and that his leadership is looking forward to implementing several progressive strategies at FBC.

He further spoke of the emergence of new units and departments on the campus, all of which, he said, are aimed at making sure that the institution continues to deliver on its mandate.

He added that the endorsement is a development-oriented process and encouraged the students to make use of the new opportunities unfolding.

“Organizing lively activities on campus through sports has always been my dream. I played for Blackpool, one of the oldest Premier League clubs in the country during the 80’s; I am passionate about sports’ growth for nation building.”

“Hunan capacity is strategic; our dream is to move the discipline to a PhD level, that is, with support from government and donor partners in future,” he hopefully stated.

The Head of Department of Human Kinetics and Sports at FBC, Francis Alpha, said the move by the university is worthy of emulation and called for an astute usage of the department by all.

He said “it is therefore necessary to monitor the pilot phase of the graduates and to see that there is proper coordination and work to ensure compliance.”

He also encouraged the university to work with other departments and agencies, noting that, the effort is very laudable.

“We are delighted for the release of our first batch of human kinetics alumna and alumni, and to our part-time lectures, we deeply appreciate your efforts. Our objective is to upgrade from a certificate to degree levels,” he said.

Isatu Conteh, a certificate holder in Human Kinetics and Sports, described the achievement as a very important milestone, thus emphasizing how sport forms part of the daily lives of activities of human beings today.

She said that moving with such a short course is highly commendable and inspiring, adding that universities all over the world are now implementing sporting disciplines in their curricula.

She said the event is critically significant while appreciating the support and team work her team had shown throughout the course.

Madam Conteh assured the audience that they are ever ready and willing to sort out any challenges that show up from time-to-time.

“This will be a system of trust because it has the ability to ensure the promotion of sports inclusion as there will be invaluable insights in behaviours and the ushering of a new era in public service delivery in Sierra Leone,” Conteh said.