By Moses Kay Fembeh
Professor Bob Karankay Conteh, Vice Chancellor of Central University in Mile 91, brings to academia a rare blend of scholarly depth and decades of institutional experience. His career reflects a deliberate alignment between academic inquiry and national development priorities—an alignment that now shapes his vision for one of Sierra Leone’s growing private universities.
A Scholar Grounded in Practice
Professor Conteh holds a B.Sc. in Agricultural Education from Njala University, an M.A. in Development Economics, and a Ph.D. in Development Studies from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom. His academic trajectory is complemented by over 27 years of service at the Bank of Sierra Leone, where he held senior positions including Director of Banking and Director of International Finance.
During his tenure at the Central Bank, he contributed to key areas such as rural development research, external debt management, and national economic policy coordination. These roles equipped him with a refined understanding of the intersection between economic systems and development outcomes—expertise he now brings into higher education leadership.
Steering Central University Toward Growth
Professor Conteh was formally installed as Vice Chancellor and Principal of Central University in March 2023. In his inaugural address, he reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the institution through three core pillars: research, teaching, and community service.
His leadership agenda is anchored on:
- Academic Excellence: Strengthening laboratories, expanding postgraduate offerings, and enhancing global academic linkages.
- Development Alignment: Positioning the university’s mission in line with Sierra Leone’s broader development goals.
- Sustainability and Partnerships: Mobilising public–private partnerships to support the institution’s private operational model.
He challenged staff and students to embrace a bold vision, stating:
“I call on you to help me make Central University the best university not only in Sierra Leone but in Africa and the world at large.”
A Vision Driven by Purpose
Professor Conteh views higher education as a transformative engine rather than a mere credential-producing system. His dual background in economics and academia enables him to lead with both institutional discipline and developmental foresight. His approach positions Central University not just as a learning centre, but as a future hub for innovation, applied research, and community-driven solutions.
Transforming Higher Education—One Milestone at a Time
Under his stewardship, the university is strengthening its academic culture while expanding relevance to national needs. His expertise in rural finance and institutional reform provides a unique advantage as he works to build a responsive, impactful, and sustainable higher-education environment.
In a region where universities must navigate resource limitations and structural constraints, Professor Conteh represents the possibility of purposeful leadership. His journey continues to inspire students, academics, policymakers, and professionals across Sierra Leone and beyond.
Professor Bob Karankay Conteh stands as a model of the scholar-practitioner—one who understands that leadership in higher education demands not only intellectual authority but strategic clarity, vision, and a firm commitment to national progress.
Pull-Out Quote
“Age is just a number; work and vision matter more.”
— Professor Bob Karankay Conteh
Key Milestones
- Ph.D., Development Studies – University of Leeds
- 27+ years of service at the Bank of Sierra Leone
- Installed as Vice Chancellor, Central University – March 2023
- Author of Financial Intermediation in Rural Development (2018)
Reference sources:
Sierra Loaded
Forum News
UNIMAK
Thanks for reading! If you have any suggestions or questions about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Follow Us:
