ALUMNI SPIRIT FUELS IPAM'S HISTORIC ANNEX CONSTRUCTION

20th July 2027

A remarkable demonstration of alumni commitment and institutional vision came to life on Monday, 20 July 2026, as the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone, officially broke ground for the construction of a modern four-storey annex building at its historic Old Campus.
The sod-turning ceremony marked a major milestone in IPAM's infrastructure expansion programme, with the project driven through the combined efforts of the University's administration and its global alumni network. The new four-storey annex will provide additional lecture theatres, seminar rooms, faculty offices and modern learning spaces, easing longstanding overcrowding while significantly enhancing the teaching and learning environment.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of IPAM, Professor Ezekiel K. Duramany-Lakkoh, described the project as a strategic investment in the future of higher education.
"This annex is not merely bricks and mortar; it is a testament to our unwavering commitment to expanding access and elevating the quality of tertiary education in Sierra Leone. We are building for the next generation, ensuring that our students have a learning environment that matches their academic aspirations."
Professor Duramany-Lakkoh emphasized that the annex represents IPAM's determination to respond to increasing student enrolment while providing world-class facilities capable of supporting excellence in teaching, learning, research and innovation.
Representing the Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone, Professor James B. Russell, Pro Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor of COMAHS, commended IPAM's remarkable progress and described the groundbreaking ceremony as another milestone in the institution's transformation.
"IPAM has consistently been in the news for the right reasons. Today's groundbreaking ceremony demonstrates an institution that is forward-looking, innovative and determined to transform management education in Sierra Leone."
Delivering the keynote address, the Special Guest of Honour, Mr. Mohamed Lamin Conteh, Chief Executive Officer of the West African Shipping and Logistics Agency, challenged IPAM alumni across the globe to support the institution that laid the foundation for their personal and professional success.
"There is no greater honour than giving back to the institution that shaped your character and career. I encourage every IPAM graduate, wherever they may be, to see this project not simply as an opportunity to donate, but as a responsibility to leave a lasting legacy for future generations."
Backing his words with action, Mr. Mohamed Lamin Conteh immediately donated $10,000 towards the annex project, inspiring an outpouring of generosity from fellow alumni. Mr. Nicolas Kamara, on behalf of Vision Investment, followed with a donation of $1,000, while several other alumni also made financial pledges in support of the project.
In another remarkable demonstration of solidarity, Professor James B. Russell also pledged a personal financial contribution in United States dollars but respectfully declined to disclose the amount, emphasizing that his support was motivated by his commitment to IPAM's continued growth rather than public recognition.
The spontaneous donations and pledges became one of the defining moments of the ceremony, highlighting the enduring bond between IPAM and its alumni and reaffirming their collective determination to invest in the institution's future.
The ceremony attracted members of the University community, alumni, students, faculty, staff, development partners and distinguished guests. Representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Fourah Bay College (FBC), Mrs. Elizabeth L. A. Kamara, Assistant Deputy Vice Chancellor II (ADVC II), conveyed her DVC's apologies for being unable to attend. Speaking on his behalf, she congratulated the IPAM administration for taking the bold initiative to embark on such a transformational infrastructure project. She described the annex as a significant investment in the future of the University of Sierra Leone and commended Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Ezekiel K. Duramany-Lakkoh and his team for their visionary leadership, assuring them of the support and goodwill of the Fourah Bay College administration.
Former Deputy Vice Chancellor of IPAM, Professor Miriam Conteh-Morgan, expressed delight at seeing a vision conceived during her tenure becoming a reality and praised the seamless continuity of leadership.
"I hand over the baton with pride, knowing that my successor has not only sustained the standards we established but has elevated them even further. This annex is a vision we once imagined; today, it is becoming a reality."
In his closing remarks, Professor Duramany-Lakkoh expressed profound appreciation to the University leadership, alumni, students, faculty, staff, development partners and members of the media for their unwavering support. He described the sod-turning ceremony as the beginning of a new chapter in IPAM's history, reaffirming the institution's commitment to strategic repositioning, infrastructure development and academic excellence.
Construction is expected to commence immediately, with completion projected for late 2027. Upon completion, the annex will significantly expand IPAM's teaching capacity and further strengthen its position as Sierra Leone's premier institution for business, public administration and management education.

© Dr. Tonya Musa 
Director of Communication and International Relations USL