The Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), a constituent college of the University of Sierra Leone, has officially commenced the construction of a new four-storey, state-of-the-art annex building following a sod-turning ceremony held on Monday, July 20, 2026, at the institution’s Old Campus.

The ceremony was led by IPAM’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Ezekiel K. Duramany-Lakkoh, and marks a significant step in the institution’s efforts to expand its academic infrastructure and improve teaching and learning conditions.

According to the institution, the new annex building is intended to address the longstanding shortage of lecture rooms by providing additional space for students and enhancing the overall learning environment.

Delivering his opening remarks, Professor Duramany-Lakkoh praised the collective efforts of the IPAM Management Team and the institution’s alumni, whose financial and other contributions have made the project possible. He described the initiative as a testament to the power of collaboration in advancing higher education.

Representing the Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone, the Pro-Vice Chancellor and Deputy Vice Chancellor of the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS), Professor James B. Russell, commended the leadership of IPAM for its continued development initiatives. Quoting the Vice Chancellor and Principal, he stated that “IPAM has consistently been in the news for the right reasons,” highlighting the institution’s commitment to growth and excellence.

The Special Guest of Honour, Chief Executive Officer of the West African Shipping and Logistics Agency, Mohamed Lamin, underscored the importance of alumni supporting their alma mater. He described giving back to one’s former institution as “the best practice for any alumnus” and expressed satisfaction in contributing to IPAM’s development.

The event was also attended by the Assistant to the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Fourah Bay College, who conveyed the regrets of the DVC for being unable to attend due to other commitments. She applauded IPAM’s Management for its unwavering commitment to institutional development.

Speaking on behalf of former administrators, former IPAM Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Miriam Conteh-Morgan commended the current leadership for sustaining and surpassing the developmental standards established over the years. She thanked Professor Duramany-Lakkoh for continuing to drive the institution’s progress through transformative projects.

The ceremony concluded with the IPAM Management expressing appreciation to students, staff, alumni, well-wishers, and members of the media for their support and participation, describing the event as a major milestone in the institution’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and infrastructural development.