By Hassan Osman Kargbo
At the 198th-Anniversary ceremony of Fourah Bay College (FBC), a bittersweet moment unfolded as Professor Joe A.D. Alie, a towering figure in Sierra Leone’s academic and historical landscape, officially retired from his active role as a professor, marking the end of an era for both the college and the many students and colleagues who have had the privilege of learning from, and working alongside, one of the country’s most respected historians, educators, and authors.
Professor Alie’s career spanned decades of dedication to shaping minds and enriching the academic environment of Sierra Leone. As Associate Professor and the Head of the Department of History and African Studies at FBC, his influence went far beyond the classroom. His passion for history, particularly African history, helped generations of students understand the complexities of their heritage and the significance of their role in shaping the future.
It’s difficult to overstate the magnitude of Professor Alie’s contributions to Sierra Leone’s academic landscape. His intellectual rigor and unwavering commitment to education left an indelible mark not just on Fourah Bay College but on the entire educational system in the country. He didn’t just teach history, he brought it to life.
His lectures were often filled with vivid stories, rich context, and a deep sense of pride in Sierra Leone’s history and its place within the larger African narrative. He had the rare ability to make students feel connected to the past, while motivating them to consider how they could contribute to a better future.
In his own words, Professor Alie has always seen education as a tool to transform lives and uplift communities. “History is more than just the past,” he once said. “It’s the foundation upon which we build our present and future.” For his students, this sentiment resonated deeply. They were not simply taught historical events but were encouraged to critically engage with the world around them and to apply their knowledge toward meaningful change.
Born and raised in Sierra Leone, Professor Alie’s academic journey is a testament to his dedication to learning and to his love for his country. He earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors (BA Hons) and a Master’s (MA) from the University of Sierra Leone, before going on to earn a PhD in African History. His academic achievements did not stop there, as he also completed a Certificate in African Studies from the prestigious University of Wisconsin-Madison. This commitment to expanding his knowledge enabled him to bring global perspectives into the classroom, helping his students connect with history on a deeper level.
Alongside his credentials, Professor Alie’s textbooks have become essential learning resources for students across Sierra Leone. His writings have filled gaps in the academic literature, providing accessible yet thorough examinations of Sierra Leonean and African history. These textbooks continue to guide students and academics, preserving his legacy in the field for years to come.
But Professor Alie’s impact was not confined to the walls of the classroom. Beyond his academic work, he was a trusted mentor, colleague, and friend. For many of us, personal conversations with him about Sierra Leone’s history, culture, and society were as enlightening as his lectures. He was always willing to share his insights, offering perspectives grounded in experience and a deep love for his country. His ability to engage in thoughtful, nuanced discussions made him not just a professor but a true intellectual companion.
While we will miss seeing him in the lecture halls and hearing his powerful lectures on the African past, Professor Alie’s influence will continue. His legacy lives on in the countless students whose lives he touched, the historical perspectives he helped shape, and the invaluable contributions he made to the educational development of Sierra Leone.
As he steps into retirement, it is clear that his contributions to Sierra Leone’s academic and intellectual landscape will not be forgotten. For us, his friends, colleagues, and students, his retirement is not an end, but rather the beginning of a new chapter where we continue to honor and carry forward his work.
Professor Joe A.D. Alie has given us so much—through his scholarship, his wisdom, and his friendship.
We are forever grateful, and the conversations about Sierra Leone’s history, its past, and its future, will continue, even without him in the classroom.
Thank you, Professor Alie, for everything. You have truly shaped us all.
