By Alfred Koroma
Alfred Simon Sesay, the Black Candidate and Ibrahim Sayoh, the White Candidate
Once again, Concord Times turns its attention to campus politics as the race for the next Student Union President of West Africa’s oldest university, Fourah Bay College (FBC), heats up.
This year, the contest is between Alfred Simon Sesay and Ibrahim Sayoh, both third-year law students. They are racing to replace Alfred Micah Sesay, the outgoing President.
FBC student union elections are typically dominated by two influential groups: the Black Family and the White Family. The Black Family, which currently holds power, has won the last three elections and produced the college’s first female president.
Alfred Simon Sesay: The Black Candidate
Alfred Simon Sesay, a third-year (Honors) Law student, is representing the ruling Black Family in the upcoming election. Known for his strong public speaking skills and academic excellence, Alfred has built a solid reputation both in high school and at FBC.
He attended Sierra Leone Grammar School, one of the country’s top Grade A schools, where he led and reformed the school’s Literary and Debating Society (L&DS) and the News Journal. Alfred also serves as the Vice Chairman of the FBC chapter of the school’s alumni association.
Alfred’s campaign focuses on students’ welfare, with a promise to prioritize academic support for all students. His supporters believe that his experience and lobbying skills will make him a strong advocate for the student body.
“It is that same voice he wants to use on our behalf, don’t you think we should vote for him?” reads a statement from the Black Family.
Beyond academics, Alfred is involved in leadership and innovation, including the Farm 360 initiative, which aims to modernize farming practices.
“Using this available material, this candidate can make a better rep. He seems more confident and composed than the other,” said Hamiru H. Massaquoi, a first-year law student.
Ibrahim Sayoh: The White Candidate
Sayoh, as he is popularly known, is also a third-year law student. He previously studied Mass Communication and is representing the White Family, which has been out of power for years due to declining student support.
Sayoh’s campaign has been vague, with his repeated references to addressing “the issues” lacking clarity. In a one-minute six-second video circulating on social media, he mentioned “the issues” five times without providing specifics, raising concerns about his ability to communicate effectively.
In another widely shared clip, Sayoh is seen addressing Social Work students, where he awkwardly prays for them to become “versatile sociologists,” an embarrassing mistake that further exposes his weaknesses as a communicator.
Sayoh appears less confident and struggles to articulate his plans and vision, which could undermine trust in his leadership capabilities. This puts him at a disadvantage against Alfred, who is more composed and persuasive.
FBC faces several challenges, including inadequate transportation, limited water access, and rising tuition fees, all of which affect the student experience and academic performance. The Student Union Government (SUG) plays a critical role in addressing these issues and influencing university policies.
A strong, confident leader is needed to represent student interests at all levels of university administration. If Fourah Bay College students are seeking such leadership, Sayoh may struggle to gain their trust.
The quality of the Black Candidate, combined with the Family’s track record of electoral success, suggests that they are likely to remain in power.
However, whoever wins will face the difficult task of improving student welfare.
