The Albert Academy Alumni Association has made history by electing Madam Zainab Attire Bangura as its first female president during elections held on Saturday, 16th June 2026.
Professor Ezekiel Duramany Lakoh was also elected Vice President of the association.
Members described the exercise as free, fair, and credible.
The election marks the first time a woman was elected to lead the association since its establishment.
In her acceptance speech, Madam Bangura identified infrastructural development as a major priority of her administration. She pledged to collaborate closely with the school authorities to improve learning facilities and create a more conducive environment for students.
“My focus will be on mobilizing alumni support to improve the school’s infrastructure,” she stated. “We cannot talk about academic excellence without ensuring students have the classrooms, laboratories, and resources they need to learn effectively. This will require unity, transparency, and consistent action from all of us.”
She further called on alumni both in Sierra Leone and in the diaspora to support a coordinated drive aimed at addressing the school’s longstanding maintenance and expansion challenges.
Professor Lakoh, in his remarks, assured members of his commitment to strengthening the institution’s academic foundation and infrastructure.
“Infrastructure and academics go hand in hand,” he said. “Supporting projects that improve the physical environment of the school directly enhances the quality of education delivered.”
The outcome of the election has been widely welcomed by alumni, who described the new leadership as capable of revitalizing engagement, attracting investment, and translating alumni support into meaningful development projects for the school.
With the elections concluded, the association is expected to unveil a clear development agenda and fundraising strategy to transform its infrastructure ambitions into concrete projects.
Albert Academy, founded on October 4, 1904, is one of Sierra Leone’s oldest and most prestigious secondary schools. Established by the United Brethren Church Mission and named after missionary Ira Albert, the institution began with one teacher, Mr. L. Turner, and four pupils.
Over the years, the school has produced several distinguished Sierra Leoneans, including Sir Milton Margai and Siaka Stevens, alongside numerous professionals, intellectuals, and national leaders.