AYV News, April 21, 2026
The Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), unlocking new academic and professional pathways for its students and recent graduates.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), recently signed between the two institutions, provides IPAM students—particularly those who have graduated within the past five years—with access to exemptions under the CIMA Chartered Programme. In addition, beneficiaries will receive a substantial 70 percent discount on the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA) and CIMA Financial Learning platform.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor of IPAM, Prof. Ezekiel K. Duramany-Lakkoh, described the agreement as a forward-looking initiative aimed at strengthening institutional partnerships and aligning academic training with global industry standards.
“Our aim is to enhance professional accounting education and ensure IPAM students have globally recognised certification pathways,” he stated, noting that the collaboration will significantly improve the competitiveness of graduates in both local and international job markets.
Also speaking on the development, Dr. James Kollie, Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Finance, emphasized the transformative impact of the partnership. He described the agreement as a major milestone that will benefit not only students but also faculty members seeking professional advancement.
“This collaboration reinforces IPAM’s commitment to elevating professional accounting education in the region,” Dr. Kollie said, adding that the initiative will help bridge the gap between academic learning and professional certification.
The partnership comes at a time when demand for internationally recognised qualifications in accounting and finance continues to grow, particularly in emerging economies. By integrating CIMA’s globally respected certification structure into its academic ecosystem, IPAM is positioning itself as a leading institution for professional business education in Sierra Leone and beyond.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the move, describing it as a significant boost to the country’s human capital development and a step toward producing highly skilled professionals equipped for the global marketplace.
