The Internet Society Sierra Leone Chapter (ISOC-SL) and the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening digital development, research, innovation and technology skills within higher education in Sierra Leone.
The agreement was signed on Thursday, 3 September 2026, at the IPAM campus in Freetown, bringing together university management, executives and members of ISOC-SL, students and representatives of the media.
The partnership is expected to extend digital development opportunities beyond Freetown, with activities targeting students and communities in provincial areas, including Bo, Kenema, Lungi, Makeni, Kailahun and Pujehun.
Among those present at the ceremony were Professor Ezekiel Duramany Lakkoh, Vice Chancellor of IPAM; Mr. Albert Baio, Deputy Registrar of IPAM; Miss Ajaratu Boma, President of ISOC-SL; Mr. Edward William, Vice President of ISOC-SL; Mr. Daniel Chaytor, Past President of ISOC-SL and Lecturer at IPAM; Mr. Bah, Head of ICT at IPAM; students and members of the Internet Society Sierra Leone Chapter.
The programme opened with remarks from IPAM Deputy Registrar Mr. Albert Baio, who thanked ISOC-SL for initiating the partnership and expressed the institution’s readiness to collaborate in creating greater digital opportunities for students and staff.
He noted that collaboration between academic institutions and technology-focused organizations is increasingly important in preparing young people for a rapidly changing digital economy.
Speaking on behalf of ISOC-SL, Vice President Mr. Edward William highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration between technology organizations and institutions of higher learning.
He said partnerships of this nature can help develop a generation of digitally skilled graduates equipped with the knowledge and competencies needed to participate effectively in the global digital economy.
ISOC-SL President Miss Ajaratu Boma also outlined the organization’s broader mission and the significance of the agreement with IPAM.
She explained that the Internet Society, founded in 1992, works to promote an open, accessible, secure and beneficial Internet for everyone. She said the partnership with IPAM would create opportunities for training, research, innovation and practical projects aimed at contributing to the growth of the Internet ecosystem in Sierra Leone.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Daniel Chaytor, Past President of ISOC-SL and Lecturer at IPAM, welcomed the signing of the MOU and encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunities that the partnership is expected to provide.
He further expressed hope that IPAM would continue to work closely with ISOC-SL in advancing the organization’s aims and objectives, particularly in the areas of digital skills, Internet development and education.
In his closing remarks, Vice Chancellor Professor Ezekiel Duramany Lakkoh thanked ISOC-SL for choosing IPAM as a partner and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to embracing technology in teaching, learning and research.
He emphasized the importance of building the digital capacity of both students and staff, noting that technology and innovation have become essential components of modern higher education.
The newly signed MOU provides a framework for the two institutions to collaborate on programmes and initiatives in digital literacy, Internet governance, technology innovation, research, skills development and community outreach.
The partnership is expected to contribute to expanding digital opportunities for young people while strengthening the role of higher education institutions in Sierra Leone’s digital transformation agenda.
The agreement also signals a growing effort to connect academic institutions with organizations working in the technology and Internet governance space, with the aim of equipping students with practical digital skills and creating opportunities for research and innovation that can contribute to national development.
