The Management of IPAM has successfully commissioned its newly constructed Banking Facilities and State-of-the-Art Lecture Rooms, including a Students’ Information Unit.
The ceremony attracted distinguished personalities from the banking sector, telecommunications industry, the College Alumni Association, the University of Sierra Leone hierarchy, a delegation from the Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA), and the Fourth Estate.
The ceremony was chaired by the Project Manager, Mr. Alex Thomas.
In his welcome address, the Deputy Registrar, Mr. Albert Samuel Baio, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the College to all partners and well-wishers of IPAM, noting how their contributions continue to strategically position the Institute.
In his statement, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of IPAM, Prof. Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh, acknowledged the tremendous contributions of corporate partners and expressed delight at the successful implementation of the project. He described it as exceeding his wildest expectations, noting that the initiative was conceived following the damage caused by strong winds to the previous structures, which rendered them unstable for banking operations on campus.
He stated that the project is aimed at addressing the challenges students face in paying tuition fees and other charges. He also emphasized the need for befitting lecture rooms for Masters students, considering the calibre of professionals enrolled in IPAM’s postgraduate programmes. He looked forward to continuous developmental strides by his administration through the support of corporate partners, the Alumni Association, and well-wishers of IPAM.
The Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone, Professor Aiah Lebbie, acknowledged the tremendous work being done by the DVC of IPAM and encouraged Management and staff to continue their good work as key pillars of the institution. He appreciated sponsors for their contributions and noted that the best bank is one that continues to contribute to IPAM’s growth. He stated that his aim as VC&P is to create a platform that enables students of the University to compete favourably within the wider community. He encouraged past students to join the Alumni Association and challenged the leadership of the Association to mobilize more members. He concluded by urging staff to continue doing what they do best and reaffirmed his availability to support the College.
The Dean of Postgraduate Studies at the University of Sierra Leone, Prof. Ronnie Frazer-Williams, congratulated IPAM on the newly renovated postgraduate lecture rooms, stressing the importance of a conducive learning environment for Masters students.
The commissioned Banking Facilities will host four banks, namely: Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB), Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB), Commerce and Mortgage Bank (CMB), and the United Bank for Africa (UBA).
Representatives of the banks and corporate partners emphasized the need for value for money, which IPAM has demonstrated.
The ceremony also featured the official commencement of business by the A Call To Business Bank (ACTB) in partnership with IPAM, and JIT Capital of the Student and Staff Computer Loan Scheme, aimed at bridging financial inclusion and academic excellence.
Speaking on behalf of Africell Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatmatta Fatou Taqi reiterated Africell’s commitment to the implementation of its MoU with IPAM, which has been progressing successfully. She stated that the Point of Service established at IPAM is to support students and staff members, especially through the Africell Closed User Group (CUG), and to facilitate tuition fee payments using Afrimoney services. She added that Africell does not just support any kind of development, but development that complements national development.
The President of the IPAM Alumni Association, Mr. Rahman Tom Farmar, applauded the continuous gains made by the IPAM Administration in its developmental drive and reaffirmed the Alumni’s support towards the growth of IPAM. He noted that the aspiration is for the College to be well-positioned to compete globally. Mr. Farmar encouraged all former students to join the Alumni Association and to be willing to give back to IPAM. He appreciated the trust bestowed on him to lead the Association and pledged to steer it in the right direction for the benefit of the College.
Management and Staff of IPAM unanimously extend sincere gratitude to all corporate partners, the University authorities, and well-wishers for their contributions towards the growth and development of the College.
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Signed: 𝒥ℱ𝒦
John Foday Koroma (Mr.)
Assistant Head, Statistics and Students’ Information Unit, IPAM
