Former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, has delivered an emotional tribute in honour of the late Dr. Rev. Canon Modupe Taylor-Pearce, hailing him as a national icon in education, moral leadership, and spiritual guidance.

Writing from Abuja, Koroma reflected deeply on the profound impact Rev. Taylor-Pearce had on his life and on generations of Sierra Leoneans who passed through the Government Secondary School for Boys in Magburaka, where the revered educationist served as principal during the late 1960s.

“He was more than a headmaster,” Koroma recalled. “He was a mould, a refiner, a mirror of integrity, and a firebrand of discipline.”

The former president described his first encounter with Rev. Taylor-Pearce as a Form One pupil in the 1967/68 academic year, noting the principal’s unwavering commitment to discipline, character formation, and personal excellence. Known for his early morning routines, hands-on dormitory inspections, and spiritual leadership, Rev. Taylor-Pearce’s style of leadership left a lasting impression on his students. His famous phrase “No slackness!” became a motto that inspired order, punctuality, and pride.

Koroma emphasized that Rev. Taylor-Pearce’s legacy extended far beyond school routines. His unshakable principles, fairness, and refusal to show favouritism helped instill in students a sense of justice and self-respect. “He mentored us through consistent example. His life was the sermon,” Koroma noted.

The tribute also highlighted Rev. Taylor-Pearce’s religious inclusivity, stating that although he was a devout Christian, he created an environment that respected and supported both Christian and Muslim pupils, promoting mutual respect and spiritual grounding.

Reflecting on his own life journey, Koroma credited the values instilled by the late educator as foundational to his success in the private sector and eventually in leading the nation. “Much of what I became… I owe to the early fire he kindled in me,” he wrote.

Calling Rev. Taylor-Pearce a “giant,” “a shaper of destinies,” and “a moral compass,” Koroma expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the church, and all whose lives were touched by the late Canon’s example.