Marius Musa Kargbo, AYV News, September 30, 2025
Professor Ezekiel Duramany Lakkoh has described the reintroduction of a single-shift system at Albert Academy as a turning point in the school’s journey to restore its past glory. Speaking during a press conference to launch the Academy’s 121st Anniversary under the theme “The Change We Want Is Here,” Prof. Lakkoh said the reform was more than just administrative restructuring, it is about strengthening discipline, raising academic standards, and producing holistic citizens.
“One-shift is a model of excellence,” he stressed. “It provides us the opportunity to add to Albert Academy’s illustrious tradition of having been responsible for some of Sierra Leone’s best professionals, and it is more than sufficient an inspiration for today’s generation to aim higher.”
Prof. Lakkoh the chairman of the 121st anniversary committee, thanked past and present administrators of the school, especially Mrs. Ethiel Asgil (JSS Principal) and Mr. Junisa Vandy (SSS Principal), whose stewardship, he said had seen the institution through some difficult moments to bring normalcy in the administration of the school. He also thanked the Board of Governors and United Methodist Church for continuing support at this time of change in guiding our Academy through this reformation.
Board member John K. Ansumana looked back at the Alert Academy since its founding, in 1904. He also embraced the rebranding, stating that “with a school population of almost 2,000 students Albert Academy is still set to offer New Wine in Old Bottles” education. He said the one-shift system marked a crucial step in buttressing the institution’s storied reputation for producing leaders in all of its fields.
President of the Albert Academy Alumni Association, Bismarck Coker, described the Albert Academy as having no equal with regard to its impact on the education sector in Sierra Leone. He referred to the school’s 2003 academic credentials, making two students attain 8A1s in West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examination, an unbeaten record still undefeated in West Africa, as a testament to its excellence. He also announced additional reforms and initiatives which include an annual graduation celebration for students after completing JSS3 and SSS3 instead of the traditional school leaving ceremony and the new graduation ceremony will be for both JSS3 and SSS3 graduands.
As part of the events, the school announced that their Annual Thanksgiving Service will take place on the last Sunday of October each year. The revision, which follows extensive consultations, takes climate change into account while keeping the Academy’s traditional legacy alive.
Music, which is a trademark of Albert Academy tradition, will also be in the forefront. Last years thanksgiving involved 206 student musicians performing with state of the art instruments,” said Bernard Caulker, Music Director of the Academy Brass Band. This year, he said, the Academy will introduce a brand-new brass band that includes only current students, another first in Sierra Leone’s educational sector.
In addition, the Albert Academy Boys Scout Association, represented by Ishmail Kamara, announced that the 7th Freetown Unit Troop will, for the first time, lead the foundation ceremony. Kamara highlighted the troop’s proud identity, with its four-patrol system, distinct uniforms, and unit flags bearing the Messenger of Peace badge, reaffirming its role as the first scouting unit to have such honor in Sierra Leone.
The celebration of the 121st Anniversary is a testament to the Academy’s determination, creativity and solidarity. With the reforms underway and the backing from its principals, alumni, board and UMC, Albert Academy is on course to exit this dark age and restore its legacy as one of Sierra Leone finest education institutions.
