Former Mass Communications Department Head at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, Dr. Bernadette Philomena Yetunde Cole has been laid to rest in Freetown.
The late Dr. Cole was two terms Chairperson of the Independent Media Commission (IMC). She was accorded a Civic Laying-Out ceremony at the Freetown City Council Auditorium before laid to rest at the Kissy Road Cemetery in Freetown.
Several designators were in attendance from government institutions, representative from the University of Sierra Leone, the Independent Media Commission, families and friends to pay their respect and celebrate the life of the late woman.
Chief Administrator of the Freetown City Council, Festus Kallay said the late Bernadette Yetunde Cole was an exceptional woman filled with enthusiasm and love to imprint her knowledge and values to everyone.
He said the late woman is a mother and a disciplinarian with lots of achievable landmarks.
Avril Tundette Cole, daughter of the late Dr. Cole narrated the passion her mother had in education and journalism.
She said: “My late mother was a loving and caring soul who I will never forget as I struggles with the reality that I have lost her to the cold hands of death.
“Through my mother’s passion for education, I travelled to several conferences across the world where I left her foot print”
With emotion, Avril expressed how her mother independently pioneer the Mass Communications Department at Fourah Bay College.
Dr. Willette James, Deputy Dean of Faculty of Communication Media and Information Studies at FBC said she has not just lost her teacher but a mother and a friend who inspired her in her academics and also her marital duties.
“I was like a personal assistant to the late Dr. Cole who used to force me to attend educational functions, installed in me honesty and accountability. I was the only female student she recommended to Lecture in the Department then, after I completed my first degree. I choose to celebrate her exemplary life”. Dr. James stated.
Victor Massaquoi, Chairman of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) said the late woman was a key player in building the structures of the IMC and contributed to the role of the media in promoting democracy in Sierra Leone.
He said she was the first female to assume the position of a Chairperson of the Committee, adding; “No one would pass through her and ended a being a failure”.
Representative of the University of Sierra Leone described the late woman as “a woman who is not just a disciplinary but a joyful soul with humor and a woman who shaped her to be the person plenty people are today.
He said when she served as the Public Relations Officer of the University of Sierra Leone, the late Dr. Cole was always punctual in all she does, while praying for her to rest in perfect peace.
The late Dr. Bernadette Cole passed away in Freetown on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable achievements and contributions to journalism and education in Sierra Leone.
Born and raised in Freetown, Dr. Cole began her educational journey at St. Joseph’s Secondary School, where she excelled and obtained a Division 1. She did her sixth form at St. Edwards Secondary School May Park, Kingtom.
Driven by her passion for knowledge, Dr. Cole pursued higher education at Fourah Bay College, USL, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, History, and International Relations. Her dedication to journalism led her to pursue a Master of Arts with distinction in Journalism at the University of Wales, Cardiff. During this time, she also served as the Freetown Correspondent for the London-based West Africa magazine, showcasing her commitment to quality reporting.
Dr. Bernadette Cole’s career spanned across various notable roles within the field of communication and education. She began her professional journey at the Ministry of Information, starting as an Information Officer and eventually rising to the position of Principal Information Officer. Dr. Cole also served as the former Public Relations Officer of the University of Sierra Leone, where she played a crucial role in fostering positive relations between the institution and the public.
One of Dr. Cole’s significant contributions to academia was the establishment of the Mass Communication Department at Fourah Bay College, aimed at training aspiring journalists. She served as the department’s head from 1993 to 2009, dedicating her expertise and passion to shaping the future of journalism in Sierra Leone. From 2009 to 2013, she held the position of Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Fourah Bay College, showcasing her leadership skills and commitment to academic excellence.
In 2014, Dr. Cole was appointed as the Director of Alumni and International Relations of the University of Sierra Leone. Not only was Dr. Bernadette Cole an accomplished academic and administrator, but she was also an author. Her book, “Mass Media, Freedom, and Democracy in Sierra Leone,” remains a respected resource in the Mass Communication Department at Fourah Bay College. Through her insightful writings, she contributed to the understanding of the role of media in promoting democratic principles in Sierra Leone.
She was married to Mr. Tunde Cole, retired Solicitor General of the Law Officers Department and survived by two children, Avril Tundette Cole and Barton Cole.
Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Bernadette Cole’s dedication to journalism, education, and her country was evident. She will be remembered as a mentor and teacher to many, guiding and inspiring future generations of journalists. Her invaluable contributions to the field of media and her commitment to academic excellence have left an indelible mark on Sierra Leone. Dr. Cole’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide those who follow in her footsteps. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
