The Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone, has commissioned newly constructed banking facilities, renovated state-of-the-art lecture rooms for postgraduate students and a Students’ Information Unit as part of efforts to improve academic and financial services on campus.
The commissioning ceremony brought together senior officials from the banking and telecommunications sectors, the IPAM Alumni Association, the University of Sierra Leone, corporate partners and a delegation from the Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA).
IPAM Management expressed appreciation to its corporate partners and other stakeholders for supporting the successful implementation of the projects, describing the new facilities as an important step towards improving the overall learning experience and addressing difficulties students encounter when paying tuition fees and other charges.
Management noted that postgraduate students require modern and conducive learning facilities, particularly considering the calibre of professionals pursuing Master’s programmes at the institution. It added that the newly renovated lecture rooms represent part of a broader development agenda aimed at improving academic infrastructure and services at IPAM.
Special appreciation was extended to the Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone, Professor Aiah Lebbie; the IPAM Alumni Association; Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Sierra Leone, Mohamed Alhajie Samoura; the leadership of A Call To Business Bank (ACTB); Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB); Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB); Commerce and Mortgage Bank (CMB); Africell Sierra Leone; and JIT Capital Group for their continued support.
Dean of Postgraduate Studies at the University of Sierra Leone, Professor Ronnie Frazer-Williams, congratulated IPAM on the renovation of its postgraduate lecture rooms, stressing that a conducive academic environment is important for effective teaching and learning, particularly at the Master’s level.
The newly commissioned banking facilities are expected to accommodate Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, Rokel Commercial Bank, Commerce and Mortgage Bank and United Bank for Africa. Their presence on campus is intended to make banking services more accessible to students and staff, including the payment of tuition fees and other university charges.
Representatives of the banks and other corporate partners highlighted the importance of ensuring value for money in institutional development projects and commended IPAM for the progress made.
The ceremony also marked the commencement of business by A Call To Business Bank in partnership with IPAM, as well as the introduction of the JIT Capital Student and Staff Computer Loan Scheme. The initiatives are designed to promote financial inclusion and improve access to technology for academic and professional purposes.
Speaking on behalf of Africell Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatmatta Fatou Taqi reaffirmed the telecommunications company’s commitment to implementing its Memorandum of Understanding with IPAM.
She explained that the Africell Point of Service established at IPAM is intended to support students and staff, particularly through the Africell Closed User Group, while also facilitating tuition fee payments through Afrimoney.
Dr. Fatmatta Fatou Taqi said Africell remains committed to supporting development initiatives that complement Sierra Leone’s broader national development aspirations.
President of the IPAM Alumni Association, Rahman Tom Farmar, applauded the institution’s continued progress and reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to supporting its development.
He said the ultimate aspiration is to position IPAM to compete effectively at the global level and encouraged former students to join the Alumni Association and contribute towards the growth of their alma mater.
Rahman Tom Farmar also expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in him to lead the Association and pledged to continue steering it towards initiatives that benefit both the institution and its alumni community.
IPAM Management and staff concluded the ceremony by expressing gratitude to the University of Sierra Leone authorities, corporate partners, alumni and other well-wishers whose contributions continue to support the institution’s growth and development.
