Freetown, 14th January 2026- The University of Sierra Leone is preparing to commission its long‑awaited University Secretariat building at A.J. Momoh Street, Tower Hill, a project that had stalled for years but is now rising as a symbol of resilience and reform.
The update was shared in a detailed communication by Dr. Tonya Musa, Director of Communication and International Relations, who described the Secretariat as “a monument to perseverance and a beacon of modern administration.”
Originally conceived under former Vice Chancellor Professor Ekundayo Thompson, the Secretariat project was abandoned for years, raising concerns about wasted resources. According to Dr. Musa’s report, the project was revived under the leadership of Professor Aiah Lebbie, who made its completion a top priority upon assuming office.
“Professor Lebbie’s vision was clear: to deliver a functional headquarters that would consolidate core administrative functions under one roof,” Dr. Musa noted.
The Secretariat will house the Finance Directorate, University Registry, and the Office of the Vice Chancellor and Principal, streamlining operations and improving oversight. Its modern design and prime location are expected to reposition the University’s image nationally and internationally.
“This Secretariat is not just a building; it is a powerful symbol of progress, pride, and perseverance,” Professor Lebbie was quoted as saying during the last congregation.
Dr. Musa credited the University Chancellor, PC. Dr. Margaret Baio Gbanie IV, and Finance Director Dr. Abu Kai Kamara for their crucial roles in advancing construction despite economic challenges.
“We faced financial storms, but we never lost sight of the goal. This Secretariat is proof that resilience pays off,” Dr. Kamara emphasized.
Professor Lebbie personally oversaw a redesign of the building’s internal layout to maximize office space. The Secretariat will feature air‑conditioned offices, state‑of‑the‑art technology, modern amenities, and a staff canteen.
The project also creates space for the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) to expand by occupying the current Secretariat building.
Dr. Musa’s report highlighted the collective support of the University Court, administration, and staff for Professor Lebbie’s leadership. “This is a monument to perseverance. It shows what can be achieved when vision meets commitment,” one senior staff member remarked.
With commissioning expected soon, the Secretariat stands as a landmark achievement a project once abandoned, now reborn as a symbol of reform and pride for the University of Sierra Leone.
