Dr. Tonya Musa
The Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Sierra Leone, Professor James B. Russell, has called on newly admitted students of the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) to uphold the institution’s rich academic legacy and embrace their responsibilities as future leaders of the country.
Professor Russell made the call during the 2025/2026 matriculation ceremony held at the Ajayi Crowther Amphitheatre.
The event, which attracted a large gathering of students, faculty members, and university administrators, was presided over by Professor Russell on behalf of the Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone, Professor Aiah Lebbie, who was unable to attend due to prior commitments.
Delivering the Vice Chancellor’s message, Professor Russell conveyed Professor Lebbie’s apologies to the gathering and assured participants that despite his absence, the Vice Chancellor remained fully supportive of the event and the new students joining the university community.
Addressing the matriculants, Professor Russell reflected on the historic significance of studying at the University of Sierra Leone, describing it as the foundational institution of higher education in the country.
“As we gather this morning on this historic campus where the dreams of countless scholars have been nurtured and realised, I stand before you with profound humility and a deep sense of honour,” he said.
He noted that the University of Sierra Leone holds a unique place in the nation’s academic history, explaining that many universities in the country trace their roots to the institution.
Professor Russell also reminded students that IPAM operates as one of the major campuses within the University of Sierra Leone system, alongside FourahBay College and College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS).
According to him, the three campuses work collectively as a comprehensive university system dedicated to producing skilled professionals and contributing to national development.
The Pro Vice Chancellor commended the leadership of Professor Lebbie, whom he described as an “astute and visionary” leader whose administration has contributed significantly to improvements in academic standards, infrastructure development, and student welfare across the university.
In his message to the newly admitted students, Professor Russell encouraged them to recognise their potential and the responsibilities that accompany their admission into the university.
He pointed to successful professionals and leaders who once studied at IPAM as evidence of what dedication and hard work can achieve.
“Over the years, this institute has trained and produced public servants, entrepreneurs, bankers, administrators, policymakers, and leaders who have contributed meaningfully to nation building,” he said.
He further advised students to develop strong academic habits by forming study groups and prioritising their mental health throughout their academic journey.
“Cherish this moment along the way. Form group study networks that will help you grow academically, and remember that mental health is very important,” he advised.
Professor Russell concluded by reminding the students of the importance of discipline and adherence to the rules and regulations of the university.
Meanwhile, IPAM continues to strengthen its position as a leading centre for business and management education in Sierra Leone. Originally established to train civil servants, the institute has evolved into a dynamic academic institution offering programmes in Public Administration, Accounting and Finance, Banking and Finance, Human Resource Management, Procurement and Logistics Chain Management, Business Administration and Entrepreneurship, as well as Information Technology.
The institute is also expanding its global outlook through international collaborations and innovation-driven initiatives, including participation in the EU-funded SLEEK Project, which focuses on improving entrepreneurial education and strengthening digital learning.
Through such initiatives and strategic partnerships, IPAM remains committed to producing administrators, entrepreneurs, and leaders equipped to contribute to Sierra Leone’s development in an increasingly digital and competitive global environment.
