The Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) of the University of Sierra Leone has commissioned new banking facilities, renovated lecture rooms for postgraduate students and a Students’ Information Unit.

The commissioning ceremony at the IPAM campus brought together representatives of the University of Sierra Leone, the banking and telecommunications sectors, corporate partners, the IPAM Alumni Association and a delegation from the Liberia Institute of Public Administration.

Expanded campus services

According to IPAM Management, the facilities form part of efforts to strengthen academic and financial services at the institution. The banking facilities are intended to help address difficulties students face when making tuition and other payments.

The new banking area is expected to accommodate Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, Rokel Commercial Bank, Commerce and Mortgage Bank and United Bank for Africa Sierra Leone. Their presence on campus is intended to make banking services more accessible to students and staff, including for the payment of fees and other charges.

The ceremony also marked the commencement of business by A Call To Business Bank in partnership with IPAM. In addition, the JIT Capital Student and Staff Computer Loan Scheme was introduced as part of efforts described as promoting financial inclusion and improving access to technology.

Africell Sierra Leone also established a Point of Service at IPAM. Dr. Fatmatta Fatou Taqi, speaking on behalf of the telecommunications company, reaffirmed Africell’s commitment to implementing its Memorandum of Understanding with IPAM.

Dr. Taqi said the Point of Service would support students and staff and facilitate tuition fee payments through Afrimoney.

Focus on postgraduate learning

The renovated lecture rooms are intended for postgraduate students, including professionals pursuing Master’s programmes. IPAM Management said the work is part of a wider agenda to improve academic infrastructure and services at the institution.

Professor Ronnie Frazer-Williams, Dean of Postgraduate Studies, said a conducive academic environment is important for effective teaching and learning at Master’s level. He congratulated IPAM on the improvements.

The event included participation from IPAM Management and staff, representatives of banks and corporate partners, and members of the IPAM Alumni Association. Professor Aiah Lebbie, Mohamed Alhajie Samoura, Dr. Fatmatta Fatou Taqi and Rahman Tom Farmar were among those associated with the ceremony.

Farmar, President of the IPAM Alumni Association, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting the institution’s development and continuing initiatives that benefit IPAM and its alumni community. He said the broader aspiration is to position IPAM to compete effectively at the global level.

The projects bring academic, banking and technology-support services together on the IPAM campus, with the stated aim of improving the experience of students and staff.