IMATT College - Sierra Leone

*Obituary Announcement: Francess Gbondu*

We regret to inform you that Francess P Gbondu of LLB ONE East End Campus passed away this evening in a gruesome accident at Rokel Junction . The College Administration extends its deepest condolences to Francess’s family, students, and friends during this difficult time.

*Solemn Observances and Details*

Funeral arrangements Details will be shared as soon as we get further updates.

Out of respect for those participating, the College sports meet will proceed as scheduled tomorrow

In recognition of Francess’s passing away, All students are requested to wear a black ribbon tomorrow to honor Francess’s memory.

Monday has been declared a day of mourning across both campuses.

On the following day, Tuesday, the administration will visit the family of the deceased to offer support and condolences in person.

A condolence book will be opened at the East end campus on Tuesday where students can leave messages.

We pray that God will forgive her mistakes and grant her paradise.

We stand with Francess’s family and our students in this painful time. We ask that everyone show respect, care, and solidarity as we navigate this loss together.

‼️From the Management, Staff, Lecturers, and Students of IMATT College:‼️

We proudly join all Sierra Leoneans in celebrating 65 years of independence. Today, we honor the strength, resilience, and unity that define our beloved nation.

Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, Mama Salone!
May this new chapter bring greater progress, lasting peace, and endless opportunities for all.

One People. One Nation. One Future.

©️ IMATT COLLEGE COMMS UNIT

EID MUBARAK YOU'LL

IMATT College Sierra Leone Makes Second Appearance at Vis East Moot in Hong Kong

By: Usman Fambuleh

Students from IMATT College, Sierra Leone, have recorded another milestone by making their second appearance at the prestigious 23rd William C. Vis East International Commercial Arbitration Moot Competition held in Hong Kong.

The competition, which took place on Tuesday, 17 March, featured IMATT College appearing as the Claimant in an arbitration proceeding against Sun Yat-sen University of China, which represented the Respondent. The oral pleading formed part of a globally recognised moot that simulates real-life international commercial arbitration hearings.

Out of more than 140 participating teams worldwide, only two teams represented Africa—IMATT College from Sierra Leone and a team from Mogadishu, Somalia. Notably, IMATT College remains the only team from West Africa, further highlighting its growing reputation in international legal academic circles.

The Willem C. Vis East Moot is widely regarded as one of the most important platforms for law students to develop practical skills in arbitration and international commercial law. Participants are required to argue complex legal issues, respond to arbitrators’ questions, and demonstrate strong advocacy and analytical abilities.

During the oral session, the IMATT College team advanced arguments in support of their claim, addressing key issues such as contractual obligations, breach of agreement, and the application of arbitration rules. The proceedings were conducted before a panel of arbitrators who engaged both sides with probing questions.

Speaking after the session, Alice Cecilia Sesay, a member of the IMATT team, described the experience as challenging but rewarding. She noted that competing on such an international platform has significantly improved their confidence, research skills, and ability to present legal arguments effectively.

Her teammate, Alpha Sow, also expressed pride in representing Sierra Leone at the global competition. He emphasised that engaging with teams from different parts of the world has broadened their understanding of international arbitration and exposed them to diverse legal perspectives.

Legal observers have described IMATT College’s continued participation in the Vis East Moot as a major step forward for legal education in Sierra Leone. With limited African representation at the competition, the institution’s presence underscores its commitment to excellence and global engagement.

The second appearance of IMATT College at the Vis East Moot not only reflects the institution’s academic progress but also strengthens Sierra Leone’s visibility in the field of international commercial arbitration.

https://owlpress-sl.com/imatt-college-students-compete-international-arbitration-moot-german-university-hong-kong/

*IMATT College Students Compete in International Arbitration Moot Against German University in Hong Kong*
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IMATT College Students Compete in International Arbitration Moot Against German University in Hong Kong | OWLPRESS By: Usman Fambuleh Students from IMATT College participated in their first international arbitration oral pleading against Heinrich-Heine-University of

Thank you Owl newspaper!

In the International Arbitration Mooting....IMATT College Sierra Leone Faces German University in Hong Kong

By: Usman Fambuleh

Students from IMATT College in Sierra Leone have participated in their first international arbitration oral pleading against Heinrich-Heine-University of Düsseldorf of Germany in a simulated arbitration hearing held in Hong Kong Monday 16 March, 2026.

The academic exercise formed part of an international arbitration moot aimed at exposing law students to practical legal advocacy and cross-border dispute resolution. In the proceedings, IMATT College appeared as the Respondent, while Heinrich-Heine-University of Düsseldorf represented the Claimant.

During the hearing, both teams presented detailed legal arguments before a panel of arbitrators in a format that mirrors real international arbitration proceedings. Students relied on principles of international commercial law, arbitration procedures, and persuasive legal advocacy to defend their positions.

The IMATT College team presented arguments challenging the claims raised by the German university, addressing key issues relating to contractual obligations, jurisdiction, and the interpretation of international arbitration provisions. Meanwhile, the team from Heinrich-Heine-University of Düsseldorf advanced arguments supporting their claim and urged the arbitral panel to rule in their favour.

Speaking after the oral pleading, Cecilia Alice Sesay, a member of the IMATT College team, described the experience as both challenging and rewarding. She explained that participating in the international arbitration exercise against a European university exposed the team to different legal perspectives and strengthened their confidence in presenting legal arguments before an international panel.

According to her, the experience also allowed the students to test their research skills, advocacy techniques, and ability to respond to complex legal questions from arbitrators during the proceedings.

Legal observers noted that the exercise provided a valuable opportunity for students to develop practical skills in international dispute resolution, legal drafting, and courtroom-style advocacy. Arbitration is widely recognised as one of the most effective methods for resolving commercial disputes between parties from different countries.

The participation of IMATT College in the international arbitration moot highlights the growing involvement of Sierra Leonean law students in global legal academic platforms. For the institution, the exercise represents an important step toward strengthening international legal education and practical training in arbitration and commercial law.

Academic coordinators at IMATT College commended the participating students for their dedication and preparation ahead of the oral hearing. They noted that such international engagements broaden students’ understanding of international law and prepare them to compete with peers from universities around the world.

For the students of IMATT College, the oral pleading against Heinrich-Heine-University of Düsseldorf marks an important milestone in their legal education and a proud moment for the institution as it continues to expand its presence in international legal academic exchanges.

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲

𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐓 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡, 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧. 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬, 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫.

𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰.

𝐖𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐖𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮.

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧’𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐓 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞.🌸✨

Thank you Owl PRESS!