In presenting the loan for ratification, the Minister of State, MoFED, Mr. Foday B.L Mansaray said among other things that the loan agreement is for the rehabilitation and expansion of FBC to attain quality and higher learning; including the rehabilitation and construction of new buildings; rehabilitation of roads; and provision of solar electrification. He furthered that the project will be implemented immediately after ratification and an advisory note is issued by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice (Legal Opinion). He also said that the loan would contribute to the enhancement of higher education as contained in the Agenda for Prosperity. He also underscored that the loan will be repaid in 30-years with 10-years grace period.

 Hon. Frank Kposowa described the loan as a welcome initiative that should be treated as an “emergency”. However, he said there is nothing to write home about FBC in its current state, whilst equating it to a secondary school, and also called it the “citadel of decadence”.

 Hon. Dr. Roland Kargbo thanked President Ernest Bai Koroma for this loan aimed at restoring the dignity of FBC, and expressed dissatisfaction over its current state, before calling for the speedy approval of the loan.

 Hon. Alhaji Alhaji Seray Dumbuya said that in his capacity as part-time lecturer at FBC, he referred to the loan’s approval process as a beautiful and wonderful day of fulfilling a deferred dream of past, present and future students of FBC; and also thanked President Koroma for supporting FBC which was once dubbed the “Athens of West Africa”.

 Hon. P.C Alie Kavura Kongomoh called for the speedy ratification of the loan and urged MPs to “contribute cash” individually to support the project. However, he said when he compared FBC to other Universities in the sub-region and beyond in terms of infrastructure, he is left with the impression that history might have lied about FBC being one time “Athens of West Africa”.

 Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo praised President Koroma for the loan aimed at developing, improving and expanding the current infrastructure of FBC. He also said that this will make it to regain its past glory, called for capacity building for both FBC and other institutions, and averred that FBC had produced the Finance Minister of Namibia and a Governor in Nigeria.

 Hon. Komba E. Kodoeyoma said that he hoped work will commence in earnest immediately after ratification whilst recalling the glorious days at FBC.  He also said that FBC used to provide light to Sierra Leone, noting that President Koroma and the Speaker attended Fourah Bay College.

 Hon. Ibrahim Parteh Bah said that FBC falls within the purview of his Constituency, saying that the importance of education cannot be over-emphasized, noting that the rehabilitation and expansion of FBC is an innovative and laudable initiative of President Koroma, whilst expressing that he had been notified that Senators and Congressmen from Nigeria also attended FBC.

 Hon. Ajibola Manly-Spain also called for the speedy ratification of the loan whilst recalling how he gained access to FBC. However, he spoke about spying, weak students, and those going to college without affording the required fees. He also called on students, lecturers, parents, and administrators, including WAEC and MEST to change their attitude that is currently plaguing the education sector.

 Hon. Dr. Bernadette Lahai, Minority Leader of Parliament also recalled the glorious days at FBC, citing inspiring Lecturers like C.P Foray, Harry Sawyer etc. She also said “Sierra Leone is FBC and FBC is Sierra Leone”, and spoke about the need for rehabilitation to be complemented with effective and routine maintenance. She also called for sustainable water supply to FBC, recalling the arduous experience of fetching water from home to FBC for her daughter.

 Acting Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Leonard Fofanah said that he entered FBC in 1966 and recalled a student from Nigeria who had difficulty in servicing his fees, but had to take pictures of FBC and sold them in Sierra Leone and Nigeria to salvage his fees. He also opined that the “run-down” of FBC started with the “NPRC” who had neglected that pride institution. He later described the loan as an attempt to take FBC to where it was as it had provided education in the sub-region and produced personnel for other territories in the world.