OBBA Secretary Meets School Principal to Revive Paramount Chiefs’ Nomination System

Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, National Secretary General of the Old Boys of Bo School Association (OBBA), recently visited the Bo School campus to meet with Principal Rev. Kainesie Hassan. According to Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, the discussions focused on advancing the proposal to reinstate the historical Paramount Chiefs’ nomination process for student admissions.

Kamara noted that the meeting builds upon recent engagements between the OBBA National Executive and traditional leaders nationwide, aiming to establish a formal framework for Paramount Chiefs to submit their student nominations to the school administration for review and subsequent consideration by the Board of Governors.

During their session, Massaquoi and Principal Hassan reviewed the administrative and logistical arrangements required to accommodate nominated students. Kamara stated that the dialogue also covered broader preparations for the upcoming academic year, expected to commence in early September, to ensure the institution is fully prepared to receive incoming students.

This initiative stems from a resolution adopted at OBBA’s 97th Annual General Meeting in April 2026. Kamara highlighted that restoring the nomination system honors the school's founding legacy, established in 1906 under British colonial Governor Leslie Probyn, which originally mandated providing education to the sons of Paramount Chiefs and nominees from traditional leaders.

While Bo School eventually expanded its admissions to students from all backgrounds, leading to the gradual decline of the chiefdom nomination system, Kamara emphasized that OBBA's current effort aims to modernize this heritage to foster national unity and social cohesion across Sierra Leone's diverse chiefdoms and regions.

Furthermore, Kamara explained that bringing together young Sierra Leoneans from various cultural and geographical backgrounds aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s vision for national integration, positioning Bo School as a key platform for nurturing future cross-regional leaders.

With consultative talks between OBBA, the school administration, and traditional leaders now underway, Kamara concluded that focus will shift toward formalizing submission procedures and administrative evaluations, marking a practical step toward preserving the school's heritage while promoting educational development.