Dr. Mohammed Juldeh Jalloh
By: Alhaji A. Barrie – Freetown, Sierra Leone
When a school becomes a battleground, the future of its pupils hangs in the balance.
In Sierra Leone, where education is hailed as a cornerstone of national progress, the recent land dispute at Humaira Islamic Primary and Secondary School struck a nerve far deeper than property rights. It challenged the sanctity of learning spaces, the trust between communities and government, and the promise of Free and Quality Education. But in the face of rising tensions and public outcry, Vice President Dr. Mohammed Juldeh Jalloh stepped in—not just to mediate, but to protect a legacy. What unfolded was more than a resolution; it was a reaffirmation that education is not a commodity, but a covenant.
The controversy erupted earlier this month when a businessman, FAWAZ, claimed to have purchased the school compound—including its mosque and hospital—from the Ministry of Lands. His assertion sparked immediate protests from pupils, teachers, and community members, who feared the loss of a cherished educational and cultural institution.
During a recent visit to the site, Vice President Jalloh addressed the community directly, assuring them that the government remains committed to safeguarding public spaces and upholding the integrity of Sierra Leone’s education system. “We are working to ensure that this matter is resolved amicably and transparently,” he stated, reinforcing the administration’s stance on protecting school lands from commercial encroachment.
The Humaira School compound has a rich legacy dating back to 1978, when it was first established by the Sierra Leone Pilgrim Association. Over the decades, it has served thousands of pupils and evolved into a vital hub for education, faith, and healthcare. The recent claim of private ownership raised urgent questions about land governance and the protection of community assets.
In response to the unrest, stakeholders also visited the school, urging calm and dialogue. Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone Union of Muslim Students in Secondary Schools (SLUMSISS) issued a strong statement condemning the trend of school land grabbing and calling for immediate government intervention.
Thanks to the Vice President’s mediation, the dispute has now been resolved peacefully. The school, mosque, and hospital will remain under community stewardship, and no commercial development will proceed on the land.
For the pupils of Humaira School, the resolution means a return to normalcy—and a reaffirmation that their education is not for sale.
