IPAM Holds One-day Orientation for Postgraduate Students

The Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), the University of Sierra Leone conducted a one-day orientation on 8th May 2021 for postgraduate students at their main campus Freetown. The purpose of the orientation was to get the students familiar with postgraduate protocols and processes at IPAM.

The Dean of Postgraduate School, University of Sierra Leone, Professor Joe. A. D. Ali welcomed the students to the School of Postgraduates Studies and emphasized the role of the lecturers and students in enhancing quality control and output. He said that the lecturers are to teach and guide the students but not to do their works or write theses for them. Students therefore, he added have no excuse for failing to do their work and meet stipulated deadlines.

***Dean of School of *Postgraduate* Studies, University of Sierra Leone, Professor Joe. A. D. Ali***

The Deputy-Vice Chancellor, IPAM, Professor Edmond Nonie, warmly received the students at IPAM on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Brigadier General Foday Shar and continued with brief explanation about the University leadership and functions. He called on the students to adhere to the rules and regulations of the institution being that the Institution always focuses on producing good products for the nation.

Speaking on Administrative issues at IPAM, the Acting Deputy Registrar, IPAM, Mr. Brima Bah spoke on behalf of the University Registrar, Mrs. Olive Barrie and highlighted the University administrative structures and functions to the students in order for them to know the lines of communication and reporting. He talked about some of the rules and regulations of the University relating to the conduct of students. He appealed to the students to disassociate from all forms of indiscipline.

The Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, IPAM, Dr. Duramani-Lakkoh, encouraged the students to be ambassadors of Quality Education. He emphasized the need for students to meet deadlines especially for theses, assignments and presentations. He expressed much frustration about students going to political corridors to appeal for external intervention when they fail exams or miss deadlines in submitting their theses or projects. He assured them about the willingness of staff to deliver.

The Dean of Information Sciences, IPAM, Dr. Sheriff in his brief address urged the students about the need for understanding the application of ICTs at postgraduate level. He outlined the benefits of Management Information System (MIS) in the postgraduate curriculum at IPAM.

At the same time, the ADVC, IPAM and University Librarian, Professor Conteh-Morgan appealed to the students to regularly use the library. She said that the library will help them write good academic papers or theses.

Crucial among the statements was the need for timely registration of postgraduate students. On that note, the Acting SAFO, IPAM encouraged the students on behalf of the USL, Finance Director, to meet all financial obligations on time.