Former President Ernest Bai Koroma has joined the nation in mourning the passing of renowned educationist and spiritual leader, Dr. Rev. Canon Modupe Taylor-Pearce, describing him as a towering figure in Sierra Leone’s educational and moral landscape.

In a deeply personal and emotional tribute, the former president recalled his early formative years at the Government Secondary School for Boys in Magburaka, where Rev. Taylor-Pearce served as principal during the 1967/68 academic year. Koroma noted that the late principal’s name left an indelible mark on his life and on the lives of many others, crediting him for instilling values of integrity, discipline, and leadership.

“He was more than a headmaster. He was a mould, a refiner, a mirror of integrity, and a firebrand of discipline,” Koroma wrote. “Every action, every word, every stance he took became a silent lesson in character building.”

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He recounted Rev. Taylor-Pearce’s unwavering dedication to discipline, often joining students for morning fitness exercises by 6:00 a.m. and personally inspecting dormitories before leading school devotions. His iconic refrain, “No slackness!”, became a daily reminder of his firm belief in orderliness, time management, and personal excellence.

Koroma described his tenure under Rev. Taylor-Pearce as transformational, shaping the foundation of his later success in both the private and public sectors. The late principal’s reputation for fairness, honesty, and religious tolerance was also highlighted as key pillars of his leadership style.

“As a Reverend Canon, he was devout in his Christian faith, but never imposed it,” the former president noted, adding that pupils of all religious backgrounds were supported and respected under his leadership.

Under Rev. Taylor-Pearce’s stewardship, the Government Secondary School for Boys, Magburaka, thrived both academically and in sports, earning national recognition and producing generations of principled men who went on to serve the country in various capacities.

Reflecting on the legacy of a man who was also a composer of the school’s revered anthem, Koroma stated, “If Sierra Leone had just a few more men of his character, diligence, and moral clarity, I am confident our nation would be in a vastly different place today.”

He extended his sympathies to the Taylor-Pearce family, the Church, and all who were touched by the life of the late educator, calling for a celebration of a life well lived and a legacy that continues to inspire.

“Rest well, Sir,” Koroma concluded. “You ran your race. You kept the faith. You changed us all.”