By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The newly appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone, Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh, has extended his heartfelt appreciation to the University Court, colleagues, students and well-wishers for the confidence reposed in him to serve in one of the most distinguished academic leadership positions in the country.
In an official statement titled: “Note of Appreciation and Personal Statement,” Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh described his appointment as both an honour and a call to serve, pledging his full commitment to advancing IPAM’s vision of excellence in teaching, research and community engagement.
“I wish to thank the Almighty God for making this appointment possible. I also extend my profound gratitude to the Search Committee of the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education (MTHE), the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) and the University Court for considering me worthy of this responsibility,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the academic community, family members and social media supporters whose messages of goodwill, he noted, “were tintinnabulating across social platforms.” The newly appointed Deputy Vice Chancellor assured that he would continue to work collaboratively with staff and students to build on IPAM’s solid foundation of academic excellence and institutional progress.
“As a proud son of IPAM, having been nurtured and moulded by this great institution, I consider this appointment not merely as a personal achievement but as a call to service; to contribute towards building stronger academic programmes, deepening research culture and enhancing community partnerships,” he added.
Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh also paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, Associate Professor, Miriam Conteh-Morgan, describing her as “an inspiration of great hope” who instilled in him the values of discipline, innovation and commitment to institutional growth.
His career spans over 18 years of dedicated service in higher education, research, financial management and corporate leadership. He is an accomplished academic, Chartered Management Accountant, Financial Economist and Fulbright Scholar. He currently serves as Training Associate for Oxford University Business School in West Africa and as Chairman of the Sierra Leone National Governing Council of the African Peer Review Mechanism under the African Union.
Within the University of Sierra Leone, he has held numerous leadership roles including Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Finance and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor of IPAM. He has served on more than 27 university committees, contributing extensively to policy formulation, curriculum reform and institutional strengthening.
As Dean, he spearheaded IPAM’s landmark academic reengineering initiative that established three new faculties and introduced twelve new degree programmes, both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His leadership also facilitated international collaborations, scholarships and professional development opportunities for faculty members and students.
Beyond academia, Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh has demonstrated exceptional skill in financial management, institutional development and partnership building. He has chaired and coordinated several major fundraising projects, including the completion and furnishing of the Ekundayo Thompson Building and the establishment of IPAM’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
His collaborations with both local and international partners have led to the signing of over ten Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) supporting capacity-building, training and infrastructure development at IPAM. Through his non-profit initiatives such as the Duramany-Lakkoh Educational Foundation (D-LEF) and the Kids Advocacy Foundation, he continues to inspire and empower young Sierra Leoneans through education, leadership and mentorship.
A recipient of more than 150 national and international awards, including the African Achievers Award at the UK House of Lords, the Pan African International Award for Finance and Educational Development and the University of Sierra Leone Academic Staff Association Award for Contribution to Higher Education, Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh remains one of Sierra Leone’s most decorated academics.
He is also the current President of the Sierra Leone Association of Finance and Accounting Professionals (SLAFAP) and continues to play a pivotal role in shaping financial education and research in the country.
Concluding his message, Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to collective progress at IPAM and the University of Sierra Leone.
“Together, with unity of purpose and shared commitment, we can build on IPAM’s legacy and advance the cause of higher education for national development. May God continue to guide and strengthen us all in our pursuit of excellence,” he said.
About Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh
Professor Duramany-Lakkoh holds a PhD, MPhil, EMBA, EMPA and multiple professional certifications in finance and management. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Managers (FInstCM), Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) and a member of several international academic and research institutions. He is married and blessed with five children; Frankella, Denzel, Jayden, Jennisha and Ryan.
