IPAM Commissions New Banking, Academic and Student Facilities

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

The projects are intended to improve academic and financial services on campus, while making banking and technology-related support more accessible to students and staff.

Expanded banking access

The newly commissioned banking facilities are expected to accommodate Sierra Leone Commercial Bank, Rokel Commercial Bank, Commerce and Mortgage Bank and United Bank for Africa Sierra Leone.

IPAM Management said the facilities would help address difficulties students face when paying tuition fees and other university charges. The presence of banks on campus is also expected to make financial services more convenient for the institute’s community.

The ceremony also marked the start of business operations by A Call To Business Bank in partnership with IPAM. The partnership was presented as part of efforts to promote financial inclusion at the institution.

JIT Capital Group used the occasion to introduce its JIT Capital Student and Staff Computer Loan Scheme, which is intended to improve access to technology for academic and professional purposes.

Postgraduate learning facilities

IPAM Management described the renovated postgraduate lecture rooms as part of a wider programme to strengthen academic infrastructure and services.

Professor Ronnie Frazer-Williams, Dean of Postgraduate Studies at the University of Sierra Leone, said a conducive academic environment is important for effective teaching and learning, particularly at Master’s level.

The Students’ Information Unit was also included among the facilities commissioned during the event, which brought together representatives of the university, banks, telecommunications companies, corporate partners and the IPAM Alumni Association.

Telecommunications and alumni support

Dr. Fatmatta Fatou Taqi, speaking for Africell Sierra Leone, said the company had established a Point of Service at IPAM. The facility is intended to support students and staff through the Africell Closed User Group and facilitate tuition payments through Afrimoney.

Africell also reaffirmed its commitment to implementing its Memorandum of Understanding with IPAM.

Rahman Tom Farmar, President of the IPAM Alumni Association, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting the institute’s development. He also said the association seeks to help position IPAM to compete at the global level.

The ceremony was attended by Professor Aiah Lebbie, Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone; Mohamed Alhajie Samoura, Chief Executive Officer of UBA Sierra Leone; representatives of corporate partners and financial institutions; and a delegation from the Liberia Institute of Public Administration.