By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The University of Sierra Leone (USL) has confirmed the appointment of Associate Professor Duramani Lakoh as the new Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), succeeding Professor Mariam Conteh-Morgan.

The announcement, which forms part of a wider leadership restructuring across USL, has been widely welcomed within the academic community, with many describing Associate Professor Duramani Lakoh’s appointment as timely and strategic for IPAM’s continued growth.

Duramani Lakoh, an accomplished academic and administrator, brings with him a wealth of experience in teaching, research and institutional development. His reputation as a reform-driven scholar makes him well-placed to lead IPAM at a time when the university is seeking to deepen its role in shaping future leaders in public administration, governance and business management.

Observers note that his appointment is not only a recognition of his academic credentials but also of his commitment to innovation and excellence. As IPAM continues to play a critical role in providing practical and policy-oriented education, many expect Associate Professor Duramani Lakoh to reinforce its status as Sierra Leone’s premier management training institution.

Speaking after the announcement, senior colleagues at IPAM expressed confidence that he would build on the foundation laid by his predecessor while spearheading reforms that align the college with global standards. His focus, they say, will likely include modernizing academic programs, strengthening partnerships with the private and public sectors and expanding opportunities for students to gain relevant skills for today’s competitive job market.

The University of Sierra Leone (USL) has also appointed three new Deputy Vice Chancellors following a recruitment process that commenced in August 2025, a move aimed at strengthening leadership across its constituent colleges. At Fourah Bay College (FBC), Professor Andrew Baio has been named Deputy Vice Chancellor. A renowned specialist in Aquatic Resource Economics and Governance, Professor Baio currently serves as Director of the Institute of Marine Biology and Oceanography and his international expertise in natural resource economics is widely respected.

The College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) has appointed Associate Professor James Russell as its new Deputy Vice Chancellor. His leadership is expected to further enhance COMAHS’s training of medical professionals and expand vital healthcare partnerships.

In addition, USL confirmed the appointment of  Munda Lebbie as Registrar, a position critical to ensuring smooth administrative operations across the university system.

For IPAM, however, the spotlight remains firmly on Associate Professor Duramani Lakoh, whose leadership is expected to usher in a new era of innovation, discipline and academic excellence. His appointment is widely seen as a turning point that will strengthen IPAM’s reputation and extend its impact on Sierra Leone’s higher education and professional development landscape. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/associate-professor-duramani-lakoh-appointed-deputy-vice-chancellor-of-ipam/