By Joseph S. Conteh
The Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) of the University of Sierra Leone celebrated its 44th foundation day and officially opened the Centre of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The event was graced by the presence of the Hon. Mohamed Sidi Tunis, the first speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.
In his address, the Hon. Tunis emphasized the transformative power of education, which can ignite change within a nation. Recognizing the difficulties faced by IPAM students after night classes, the Hon. Tunis announced a generous donation of solar lights to be used across the IPAM campus, ensuring a safe and well-lit environment for learning.
Furthermore, the Hon. Tunis pledged a scholarship contribution of two million leones (old currency) to support the academic initiatives and empower the youth of Sierra Leone. This gesture aligns with President Bio’s vision for a better Sierra Leone, where the transformative power of education is being championed.
The event also featured a keynote address by Mrs. Bintu Fatmata Jonah, the Chief Security Officer of Sierra Leone Commercial Bank. She highlighted the two types of innovation—incremental and disruptive—and emphasized the role of online learning platforms in providing high-quality education.
The celebration of IPAM’s 44th foundation day and the official opening of the Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovation underscore the institution’s commitment to powering excellence through innovation, a testament to its continued dedication to shaping the future leaders of Sierra Leone.