Thomas B. Jackson

A pioneering educator in Sierra Leone who established schools and promoted literacy among Africans.

Thomas B. Jackson (1805–1885) was a Sierra Leonean educator and abolitionist who played a pivotal role in the development of education systems in West Africa. Born in Freetown, he was among the first African students to attend the Fourah Bay College, a milestone institution established in 1827. Jackson later returned to Sierra Leone to establish schools in the 1840s, focusing on literacy and vocational training. His efforts were instrumental in countering the colonial education system’s neglect of African communities. He also founded the Sierra Leone Grammar School, which became a model for modern education in the region. Jackson’s advocacy for accessible education for all, including girls and marginalized groups, challenged prevailing norms. His work laid the groundwork for the African-led educational reforms of the 19th century. Learn more about his legacy here.