The University of Sierra Leone has announced the appointment of Associate Professor Dr. Ezekiel K. Duramany Lakkoh as the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), effective 1st October 2025.

His appointment, alongside two others, was ratified by the University Court on 30th September 2025, in accordance with the Universities Act 2021.

Prof. Duramany Lakkoh’s elevation to the position marks a historic milestone for the University, as he becomes the first homegrown Deputy Vice-Chancellor in its history. Recognized as one of the youngest to ever hold the post, he is widely admired for his academic brilliance, leadership, and relentless work ethic.

Before this appointment, Prof. Duramany Lakkoh distinguished himself as a lecturer, researcher, and administrator, contributing significantly to the growth of IPAM and the University of Sierra Leone at large. He previously served as the Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Finance at the University of Sierra Leone, a role in which he demonstrated strong leadership and academic innovation. His colleagues and students alike describe him as a visionary scholar whose commitment to excellence continues to inspire the next generation of academics. His elevation to Deputy Vice-Chancellor comes in line with the provisions of the Universities Act of 2021.

Alongside Prof. Duramany Lakkoh, the University also announced the appointments of Associate Professor Andrew C.M. Baio as Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Fourah Bay College (FBC) and Associate Professor James Baligeh Walter Russell Cole as Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS).

The University of Sierra Leone has extended its congratulations to all three appointees, noting that their leadership is expected to strengthen academic innovation, research, and institutional development across the three constituent colleges.

For Prof. Duramany Lakkoh, this appointment is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of the University’s confidence in the capacity of homegrown talent to drive progress. His new role at IPAM is expected to usher in reforms that will further position the institute as a leading hub for public administration and management education in Sierra Leone.