By Usman Fambuleh
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone, October 15, 2026 — The Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone, has officially launched its Entrepreneurship Academy, an initiative aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship education, promoting innovation, and equipping lecturers and students with practical business skills.
The launch ceremony, held at IPAM in Freetown on Thursday, brought together university officials, lecturers, departmental heads, project representatives, and other members of the university community to mark a significant step towards fostering entrepreneurial learning and supporting the development of student-led enterprises.
Prof. Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of IPAM, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. In his address, he underscored the role of the Centre of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEEI) in helping students transform business ideas into viable enterprises.
He also highlighted the opportunities presented by the Sierra Leone Education in Entrepreneurial Pedagogy and Skills (SLEEK) Project, noting its contribution to strengthening entrepreneurship education, promoting innovation, and advancing practical skills development within IPAM and the wider university community.
The University Deputy Registrar, in his remarks, emphasised the importance of equipping lecturers with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to improve teaching and enhance the effective delivery of academic programmes.
He further commended the European Union for supporting initiatives designed to promote innovation, strengthen skills development, and expand educational opportunities across Sierra Leone’s higher education institutions.
Presenting on the SLEEK Project, Mr. William Conteh outlined its objectives, expected impact, and contribution to entrepreneurship education. He highlighted IPAM’s leading role in the initiative and discussed forthcoming activities and opportunities aimed at encouraging innovation, strengthening entrepreneurial learning, and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs within the university.
Joyce Abigail Coulson-Olowu, SLEEK Project Coordinator at IPAM, expressed profound appreciation to the European Union for its enormous support through the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education initiative.
She also acknowledged the commitment and contributions of the European partners, the National Project Coordinator, and the entire project team, while extending sincere thanks to the management of IPAM for embracing the SLEEK project and supporting its implementation. She highlighted that the IPAM Entrepreneurship Academy is open to all, particularly industry practitioners and professionals, emphasising that its aim is to bridge the gap between academia and industry by bringing practical industry experience into the classroom and strengthening entrepreneurship education, innovation, and enterprise development in Sierra Leone
Blossom Onike Decker, Programme Manager of IPAM-CEEI, explained the vision and purpose of the Entrepreneurship Academy, stressing its potential to foster creativity, strengthen teaching capacity, and equip students with practical entrepreneurial knowledge.
She noted that the Academy would provide an enabling environment for students and aspiring entrepreneurs to refine their business ideas, develop innovative solutions, and establish enterprises capable of addressing real-world challenges.
The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Tonya Musa, Head of Media and Public Relations Affairs at the University of Sierra Leone. His presence underscored the university community’s engagement with initiatives designed to advance entrepreneurship, innovation, and institutional development.
Following the presentations, participants toured the Academy’s facilities and inspected equipment and resources procured through the SLEEK Project. Attendees were also given the opportunity to test the equipment, which was reported to be functioning properly, demonstrating the facility’s readiness to support its planned programmes and activities.
A notable highlight of the ceremony was the commitment expressed by lecturers and departmental heads to collaborate with CEEI in implementing the Academy’s activities. They welcomed the initiative and pledged their support for efforts to encourage wider participation among lecturers, academic departments, and students.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen coordination across IPAM and promote the integration of entrepreneurship and innovation into teaching and learning.
The launch attracted encouraging participation from senior university officials, departmental heads, lecturers, project stakeholders, and media representatives, reflecting a shared interest in strengthening entrepreneurial education and practical skills development.
The establishment of the IPAM Entrepreneurship Academy marks an important milestone in the institution’s efforts to cultivate an entrepreneurial culture, support innovation, and prepare students to translate ideas into practical business ventures.
With support from university leadership, CEEI, lecturers, departmental heads, and development partners, including the European Union, the Academy is expected to play a key role in nurturing entrepreneurial talent, supporting emerging businesses, enhancing teaching capacity, and contributing to Sierra Leone’s broader economic and social development.
