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24THMARCH 2026

IPAM Launches Three Centers of Excellence and Mandates AI Literacy in Transformation In a landmark step toward institutional transformation, the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) unveiled three new Centers of Excellence on March 24, as part of its 2026 Entrepreneurship Week. The ceremony, held on campus, marked a defining moment in the university’s strategic evolution. Presenting the purpose of the event, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany- Lakkoh, started his statement by acknowledging a distinguished gathering that included the Minister of Technical and Higher Education, the Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone, directors from the banking sector, director and representatives from the Confucius Institute and the Public Sector Reform unit, alongside senior academic staff, administrators, and a vibrant contingent of IPAM students. 

With palpable pride, Professor Lakkoh framed the occasion as a promise delivered. “I’m so proud today. With a deep sense of gratitude, I want to inform you that our honourable minister will unveil three centers of excellence for our institution, IPAM,” he said. “This is a significant milestone in the transformation of our institution.” The newly established centers are designed to position IPAM at the forefront of modern education and professional development. The Digital Finance and AI Center will be led by Mr. Daniel Chattor, a seasoned academic with extensive service to IPAM. The Writing Centre, originally launched by former DVC Professor Miriam Conte-Morgan, will now be headed by Mrs. Denison George. Additionally, the Center for Consultancy and Professional Development will operate under the leadership of Dr. O.O.A. Gbonda, assisted by Mr. Andrew Keily. 

The DVC noted that the initiative was not merely ceremonial but a direct fulfillment of strategic goals. “The Vice Chancellor and Principal urged me to accomplish these activities, scheduled among my deliverables in 100 days in office,” he explained. “So I’m grateful to showcase our commitments and achievements as a campus of the University of Sierra Leone.” Central to IPAM’s forward-looking vision is a sweeping overhaul of its academic framework. Professor Lakkoh announced that AI literacy will no longer be optional. “AI literacy is going to be mandatory in IPAM,” he stated. “Our curricula review is going to ensure that all programs have an AI component as a way to let our students and staff understand the use of AI as a tool and the ethical measures regarding its use.” 

He added that the Writing Centre will expand its scope to embrace global communication, “exposing our students to learning foreign languages, among them the Chinese language.” 4

In his concluding remarks, the DVC extended heartfelt appreciation to the faculty and staff whose dedication made the ambitious 100-day goal a reality. “We run three shifts at IPAM, and so I want to commend my staff,” he said. “Your dedication and collaborationhave made this milestone achievement possible. This is the basis of the journey of transformation at IPAM.” 5

By

Dr. Tonya Musa Director of Communication and International Relations 6