IPAM Commissions New Banking Facilities and Upgraded Lecture Rooms
Aaron Parker The Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone, has commissioned newly constructed banking facilities, upgraded postgraduate lecture rooms and a Students’ Information Unit as part of efforts to improve student services and the learning environment.
The commissioning ceremony brought together representatives from the banking and telecommunications sectors, the IPAM Alumni Association, University of Sierra Leone authorities, corporate partners and a delegation from the Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA).
The new banking facilities will host four banks — Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (SLCB), Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB), Commerce and Mortgage Bank (CMB) and United Bank for Africa (UBA). The facilities are intended to make it easier for students to pay tuition fees and other charges while improving access to financial services on campus.
IPAM Management said the upgraded postgraduate lecture rooms are aimed at providing a more conducive learning environment for professionals enrolled in its master’s programmes, describing the facilities as the beginning of further developments at the College.
The Dean of Postgraduate Studies at the University of Sierra Leone, Prof. Ronnie Frazer-Williams, congratulated IPAM on the upgraded facilities and emphasised the importance of quality learning environments for postgraduate students.
The ceremony also marked the official commencement of business by A Call To Business Bank (ACTB) in partnership with IPAM and the launch of JIT Capital’s Student and Staff Computer Loan Scheme, aimed at promoting financial inclusion and supporting academic excellence.
Speaking on behalf of Africell Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatmatta Fatou Taqi reaffirmed the company’s commitment to its MoU with IPAM. She said the Point of Service established at IPAM will support students and staff through services including the Africell Closed User Group (CUG) and tuition fee payments via Afrimoney.
The IPAM Alumni Association President, Mr. Rahman Tom Farmar, commended the College’s development drive and reaffirmed the Alumni Association’s commitment to supporting IPAM. He encouraged former students to join the Association and contribute to the institution’s growth, with the goal of positioning IPAM to compete globally.
Representatives of the participating banks and corporate partners also highlighted the importance of value for money, noting that IPAM had demonstrated this through the project.
IPAM Management expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone, Professor Aiah Lebbie, the Alumni Association, UBA Sierra Leone CEO Mohamed Alhajie Samoura, ACTB CEO Mr. Kamara, and the management and staff of SLCB, RCB, CMB, Africell and JIT Capital Group for their continued support.
The College also thanked the University authorities, corporate partners and other well-wishers for their contributions to IPAM’s growth and development.