05/07/2026
Dr. Amidu Sahr Matturi (c. 1939 – 9 April 2007)
The Forgotten Hero
Early Life and Family Background (c. 1939)
Dr. Amidu Sahr Matturi was born around 1939 in Njaiama Nimikoro, Kono District, Sierra Leone. He was the son of Teacher Sahr Matturi and Mrs. Namina Matturi (née Thullah), who hailed from Malal Mara Chiefdom in Tonkolili District.
From an early age, Dr. Matturi demonstrated extraordinary intellectual ability. Family accounts describe him as a child prodigy whose academic brilliance distinguished him among his peers.
Secondary Education at Bo School (Late 1940s–Early 1950s)
Dr. Matturi attended the prestigious Bo School, one of Sierra Leone's leading educational institutions. According to family accounts, he completed his secondary education at an unusually young age, reportedly around eleven years old, reflecting his exceptional academic capabilities.
Scholarship to Australia and Higher Education (1950s)
His outstanding academic performance earned him a scholarship to Australia, where he pursued higher education at the University of Western Australia.
Although he initially aspired to study Medicine, he later redirected his academic interests toward Animal Science, with particular emphasis on animal nutrition and nutritional biochemistry. His studies exposed him to modern concepts in nutritional science, food chemistry, and agricultural research.
Academic Excellence and Advanced Research
Dr. Matturi successfully completed a Bachelor of Science degree and subsequently enrolled in postgraduate studies. Owing to his exceptional academic performance and research ability, he was reportedly transferred directly from a Master's programme into doctoral research.
His doctoral investigations focused on nutrition, particularly the nutritional value of indigenous food resources and their potential application in preventing childhood malnutrition in developing countries.
Research Contributions and the Scientific Foundation of Bennimix
Throughout his scientific career, Dr. Matturi conducted extensive research in animal nutrition and food science. His most enduring contribution was the development of the scientific formulation that later became known as Bennimix.
Drawing upon locally available ingredients such as benne (sesame), maize, and legumes, he demonstrated how these foods could be combined to provide a nutritionally balanced, affordable, and culturally acceptable complementary food for infants and young children.
His work offered a sustainable local solution to childhood malnutrition and represented one of Sierra Leone's most significant contributions to nutrition science.
Delayed Recognition and Award of Doctor of Science (DSc)
According to family accounts, the University of Western Australia initially expressed reservations regarding some of Dr. Matturi's research findings. As a result, formal recognition of his work was delayed.
Approximately fifteen years after completion of his research, the validity and scientific accuracy of his findings were confirmed. In recognition of his substantial and pioneering contributions to nutritional science, the University awarded him the prestigious Doctor of Science (DSc), a higher doctorate granted for distinguished and original scholarly achievement.
Academic Career at Njala University
Following his return to Sierra Leone, Dr. Matturi joined Njala University, where he served as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Animal Science.
Over many years, he educated and mentored numerous students who would later contribute to agriculture, nutrition, veterinary science, and national development. Alongside teaching, he remained actively involved in research and scientific inquiry.
Service to Sierra Leone
Dr. Matturi dedicated his life to finding practical and affordable nutritional solutions for vulnerable populations. He believed that local food resources could be harnessed to improve health outcomes and reduce dependence on imported products.
His work reflected a deep commitment to national development, scientific innovation, and service to the poor.
Death and Burial (2007)
Dr. Amidu Sahr Matturi passed away on Monday, 9 April 2007, which coincided with Easter Monday. He was 68 years old.
He was laid to rest in his hometown of Njaiama Nimikoro, Kono District, where family members, colleagues, former students, and community members remembered his contributions to science and national development.
Legacy
Dr. Amidu Sahr Matturi is remembered as a pioneering nutrition scientist, educator, researcher, and patriot. His scientific work laid the foundation for Bennimix, a locally developed nutritional supplement that has helped address childhood malnutrition in Sierra Leone.
Beyond his scientific achievements, he is remembered for his humility, selflessness, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of ordinary Sierra Leoneans.
His life stands as a testament to the power of education, innovation, and service to humanity.
