Rokel Commercial Bank Strengthens Strategic Partnership with IPAM, University of Sierra Leone

On Friday, 9 January 2026 – Rokel Commercial Bank has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to higher education and national capacity building with the renewal of its strategic partnership with the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), University of Sierra Leone. The renewed collaboration was sealed during a courtesy visit by senior management of the bank to the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Sierra Leone, Professor Ezekiel Duramany-Lakkoh, at the IPAM campus in Freetown.

The visit underscored the deep-rooted and mutually beneficial relationship that has existed between Rokel Commercial Bank and IPAM over the years, particularly in the areas of student development, institutional support, and national human capital growth.

Speaking during the engagement, the Head of Public Relations at Rokel Commercial Bank, Mr. Aruna Dumbuya, said the visit was intended to formally appreciate Professor Duramany-Lakkoh and the entire university community for their continued cooperation and trust in the bank. He described the partnership between Rokel Commercial Bank and IPAM as historic, resilient, and impactful, noting that it has contributed significantly to both institutional growth and student empowerment.

Mr. Dumbuya emphasized that as Sierra Leone’s number one bank, Rokel Commercial Bank considers it a corporate responsibility to support institutions that play a critical role in national development. He explained that the bank’s engagement with IPAM aligns with its broader mandate to complement government efforts, particularly in education, youth empowerment, and skills development.

“Rokel Commercial Bank remains fully committed to supporting IPAM in every possible way,” Mr. Dumbuya stated. “We believe that investing in education is investing in the future of Sierra Leone, and IPAM continues to be a key partner in that national mission.”

As part of the engagement, Mr. Dumbuya formally introduced the bank’s newly appointed Marketing Manager, Mrs. Micheala Dora Macauley, to the university leadership. He expressed confidence in her ability to consolidate existing gains and further strengthen the institutional relationship between the bank and IPAM. He also reaffirmed the bank’s readiness to continue supporting student-focused initiatives, academic programmes, and extracurricular activities within the university.

Highlighting the bank’s track record of support to IPAM, Mr. Dumbuya cited several interventions, including the refurbishment of the IPAM canteen, as well as sustained assistance to various student bodies to successfully execute academic, leadership, and social programmes. He noted that these initiatives reflect the bank’s unwavering commitment to improving student welfare and campus life.

In her remarks, Mrs. Micheala Dora Macauley described IPAM as her alma mater and expressed deep personal pride in representing Rokel Commercial Bank at an institution that played a pivotal role in shaping her academic and professional journey. She said her appointment presents an opportunity to give back to the university while strengthening a partnership that continues to deliver shared value.

Mrs. Macauley pledged to work closely with the university administration, students, and staff to sustain and deepen the cordial relationship between Rokel Commercial Bank and IPAM. She further acknowledged the university’s contribution to the growth and visibility of the bank, noting the strong patronage of Rokel Commercial Bank’s products and services by both students and staff.

She assured the university of an open-door policy, stressing that under her leadership, the marketing department would remain accessible, responsive, and supportive of IPAM-related initiatives aimed at academic excellence, innovation, and student empowerment.

Responding on behalf of the University of Sierra Leone, Professor Ezekiel Duramany-Lakkoh commended Rokel Commercial Bank for its consistency and leadership in corporate social responsibility. He described the bank as one of the best in the country in terms of CSR delivery, particularly in the education sector.

Professor Duramany-Lakkoh encouraged the bank to further identify with the university by increasing its presence and investments on campus, noting that such visibility would not only strengthen the partnership but also enhance access to banking services for students and staff.

He also highlighted IPAM’s contribution to the success of Rokel Commercial Bank, revealing that over 5,000 IPAM students are currently registered customers of the bank. According to him, this demonstrates the high level of trust and confidence that the university community has in Rokel Commercial Bank.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor further praised the bank’s Managing Director for his consistent availability and personal commitment to the university, particularly through teaching engagements and guest lectures. He noted that these academic contributions have enriched learning outcomes, bridged the gap between theory and practice, and significantly benefited both students and faculty.

The meeting ended with mutual assurances from both Rokel Commercial Bank and IPAM to continue strengthening their collaboration, expanding areas of cooperation, and sustaining the cordial relationship that has existed between the two institutions over the years in support of national development.