By Amin kef (Ranger)

His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, accompanied by the First Lady, Madam Fatima Bio, commissioned a series of development projects at his alma mater, the Bo Government Secondary School (commonly known as Bo School), underscoring his unwavering dedication to transforming education in Sierra Leone.

The commissioning ceremony, held on Saturday, 19 April 2025, was part of the school’s annual Speech Day and Prize-Giving celebrations, which also took place the day before. The event brought together dignitaries, alumni, educators, students and diplomats in a historic display of pride, unity and forward-looking purpose.

Welcoming the gathering in the school's Great Hall, President of the Old Bo Boys Association (OBBA), Ing. Hadji Dabo, commended the various branches of OBBA for their sustained efforts in supporting the school’s transformation. He praised President Bio, an illustrious alumnus, for championing education both as a national priority and a personal mission.

The development projects unveiled included:

- The Beijing Building, a modern dormitory facility fully funded by President Bio;


- A Fish Pond and Fish Farming Project, spearheaded by OBBA Western Area;


- A Staff Quarter, built by OBBA Bo Branch;


- A School Canteen and Mini Mart, donated by K.O. Bah;


- Four Greenhouse Vegetable Projects, aligning with the Government’s Feed Salone

Each Project Lead gave a brief overview of their contributions, highlighting their goals and the expected impact on student welfare and school operations.

In his keynote address, President Bio expressed profound personal pride in giving back to an institution that played a pivotal role in shaping his character and leadership. “Bo School has produced generations of leaders and we must ensure that it continues to nurture the next,” he said. “The Beijing Dormitory Block is not just a structure; it is a statement of belief in the power of education and legacy.”

He emphasized that the greenhouse projects align with his Government’s flagship Feed Salone program, aimed at fostering food security and self-reliance in public institutions. He also reiterated that education remains at the core of his administration’s human capital development agenda.

The President later cut ribbons to officially commission the completed projects and performed the symbolic turning of the sod for the planned Digital Innovation and Research Hub, signaling the school’s transition into a tech-enabled learning environment.

The atmosphere was celebratory as students and alumni joined in what many described as a “homecoming of hope.” The initiatives not only enhance Bo School’s infrastructure but also reinforce its identity as a crucible for leadership and national development.

President Bio’s presence at the school’s Speech Day and Prize-Giving Ceremony the previous day, 18 April 2025, was equally momentous. Speaking to a crowd that included students, traditional leaders, diplomats and fellow OBBA members, he reflected on his time at Bo School.

“I will never get tired of attending Bo School activities,” he remarked. “When children see the President coming to their school it inspires them to learn. If we are successful today, it is because of Bo School, which paved the way for us through discipline and hard work.”

He further noted that his administration's focus on Human Capital Development is rooted in personal conviction, stemming from his own experience as a boy whose path to the presidency began in the classrooms and dormitories of Bo School.

The President also acknowledged the school’s strides in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and urged students to leverage digital tools to compete in a globalized world. In a moment of heartfelt appreciation, he praised First Lady Fatima Bio for her continued efforts through the Hands Off Our Girls campaign, advocating for the protection and empowerment of girls across the country.

His Excellency Wang Qing, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. He hailed the strong bilateral ties between China and Sierra Leone, particularly in education and revealed that 20 Bo School students had benefitted from the China Ambassador’s Scholarship Programme last year. “I look forward to a growing relationship between China and Bo School,” he stated.

Acting Principal, Kosia Michael S. 4208, expressed gratitude to President Bio and all dignitaries. He presented a detailed update on the school’s performance and recent developments, reaffirming the school's reputation as a beacon of academic excellence and national unity.

The event concluded with the presentation of academic prizes, celebrating student achievements and further reinforcing Bo School’s role as a premier institution producing future leaders for Sierra Leone. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/president-bio-launches-innovation-hub-commissions-dormitory-and-greenhouses-at-bo-school/