The newly appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone, Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh, has expressed profound appreciation to all who have supported and congratulated him on his appointment.
In a statement titled “Note of Appreciation and Personal Statement to Well-Wishers”, Professor Duramany-Lakkoh extended gratitude to the University Court, the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), and the combined Search Committee for the trust and confidence placed in him.
“Your confidence is both humbling and inspiring, and I assure you of my utmost dedication to serving our great institution with integrity, vision, and excellence,” he stated.
He thanked God for guiding his academic journey, acknowledging that his appointment was a divine blessing. He also expressed appreciation to his colleagues, mentors, students, and family members for their continued encouragement and support, describing them as the pillars of his success.
As a proud alumnus of IPAM, Professor Duramany-Lakkoh pledged to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to strengthen academic programs, research initiatives, and community engagement within the institution. He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Professor Miriam Conteh-Morgan, describing her as “an inspiration of great hope” and a key influence in his professional growth.
In his personal statement, Professor Duramany-Lakkoh highlighted his extensive academic and professional background, with over 18 years of experience in teaching, research, corporate finance management, and higher education leadership.
A Chartered Management Accountant and Financial Economist, Professor Duramany-Lakkoh is an American Fulbright Scholar and a member of the African Economic and Research Consortium. He currently serves as Training Associate for the Oxford University Business School in West Africa and chairs the Sierra Leone National Governing Council of the African Peer Review Mechanism under the African Union.
Over the years, he has served in various leadership capacities at IPAM, including Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Finance, Head of Department of Banking and Finance, and Deputy Director of Students. He has also contributed to major curriculum reviews that led to the creation of new faculties and academic programs at IPAM.
Beyond academia, Professor Duramany-Lakkoh has played vital roles in the private sector, including serving as Consultant Managing Director at the African Young Voices (AYV) Media Empire and Consultant General Manager of West African Logistics Solutions. He is also the founder and Managing Consultant of JIT Capital Group, which has provided employment and internship opportunities for hundreds of young Sierra Leoneans.
A passionate advocate for youth and education, he founded the Young Leaders Sierra Leone, the Kids Advocacy Foundation, and the Duramany-Lakkoh Educational Foundation (D-LEF), all dedicated to empowering young people and promoting education across the country.
Professor Duramany-Lakkoh has received over 150 national and international awards in recognition of his contributions to education, finance, and entrepreneurship, including the Pan-African International Award for Finance and Educational Development and the African Achievers Award for Educational and Entrepreneurship Development.
He reaffirmed his commitment to “building a strong educational and professional reputation” and to serving humanity through ethical, innovative, and accountable leadership.
