By Forum staff writer
The Institute of Public Administration and Management has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, creating new opportunities for students and recent graduates to advance their professional accounting careers.
The agreement provides exemptions into the CIMA Chartered Programme for eligible IPAM students, particularly those who graduated within the last five years. In addition, beneficiaries will receive a 70 percent discount on the AICPA & CIMA Financial Learning platform, a globally recognised resource for developing accounting and finance expertise.
The partnership marks a significant step in strengthening the link between academic training and professional certification, a long standing challenge for many graduates seeking to transition into the workforce.
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Ezekiel K. Duramany Lakkoh, described the agreement as part of a broader strategy to position IPAM as a hub for internationally competitive education. He said the university is focused on building strategic partnerships that expand access to globally recognised qualifications while ensuring that its programmes remain relevant to industry demands.
“Our aim is to enhance professional accounting education and ensure IPAM students have globally recognised certification pathways,” he stated, adding that the collaboration reflects the institution’s commitment to preparing graduates for both local and international opportunities.
Dr. James Kollie, Dean of the Faculty of Accounting and Finance, also welcomed the development, describing it as a major milestone for both students and staff. He noted that the agreement not only creates a smoother pathway into professional certification but also strengthens IPAM’s reputation as a leading institution for business and finance education in Sierra Leone and beyond.
He further emphasised that the partnership aligns with the faculty’s mission to produce graduates who are well equipped with practical skills and professional competencies required in today’s competitive job market.
Students and recent graduates are expected to benefit significantly from reduced costs and shortened study pathways, making it easier to obtain internationally recognised credentials. The exemptions offered under the agreement will allow eligible candidates to bypass certain stages of the CIMA qualification, saving both time and financial resources.
Education stakeholders say such collaborations are critical in bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice, especially in developing economies where access to global certification can be limited.
With this agreement, IPAM continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation in higher education, while opening new doors for aspiring accountants to achieve professional excellence on a global stage.
