Abuja, Nigeria – July 24, 2025 — Former President of Sierra Leone, H.E. Ernest Bai Koroma, has expressed deep sorrow and admiration as he paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Dr. Rev. Canon Modupe Taylor-Pearce, describing him as a towering figure in Sierra Leone’s educational, moral, and spiritual landscape.
In a moving statement delivered from Abuja, the former President joined the Taylor-Pearce family, former students of the Government Secondary School for Boys in Magburaka, and the wider nation in mourning the passing of a man he referred to as a “moulder of character and discipline.”
Recalling his own days as a Form One student at the school in the late 1960s, Koroma described Canon Taylor-Pearce not merely as a headmaster, but as an institution in himself—”a refiner, a mirror of integrity, and a firebrand of discipline.”
His leadership, Koroma said, instilled in students a deep respect for time, order, and excellence.
“He believed in teaching values by living them,” the former President noted. “By 6:00 a.m., he had already visited dormitories, led morning fitness, and was fully prepared—immaculate in appearance and spirit—for morning devotion. His presence was commanding, his example uncompromising.”
Canon Taylor-Pearce’s now-famous school mantra, “No slackness,” became emblematic of a culture of urgency, self-discipline, and excellence under his watch.
“Even the way we walked had to reflect purpose,” said Koroma, adding that moral compromise, like slow walking, was simply unacceptable.
Koroma went on to recount how the integrity and discipline instilled by the late headmaster influenced his own journey—from his early career in the insurance industry to eventually becoming President of the Republic.
He revealed that his classmates even jokingly nicknamed him “Taylor-Pearce” due to his strict posture and resemblance to the revered educator.
But beyond his strict regimentation, Canon Taylor-Pearce was hailed as a man of unwavering fairness, who treated all students equally and upheld the highest moral standards.
“He did not believe in favouritism. He mentored us not with lectures, but with his life,” Koroma emphasized.
Under his stewardship, the Government Secondary School for Boys in Magburaka excelled in both academics and sports, producing generations of high-achieving men who continue to contribute significantly to national development.
As a devout Christian and respected Reverend Canon, Taylor-Pearce was also celebrated for promoting religious tolerance and inclusivity.
“He created a spiritually grounded environment, where both Muslim and Christian students were encouraged to observe their faiths freely and respectfully,” Koroma said.
Describing him as a “selfless patriot” and “a citizen of true worth,” the former President stressed that the nation would be in a better place if it had more leaders with Canon Taylor-Pearce’s character and moral clarity.
“In his passing, Sierra Leone has lost a giant. But we who walked under his guidance carry forward his legacy. His voice still echoes in our stride,” he said.
Former President Koroma concluded his tribute by offering condolences to the bereaved family, the church, and all those who loved and admired Canon Taylor-Pearce.
“Rest well, Sir. You ran your race. You kept the faith. You changed us all,” he wrote.
Dr. Rev. Canon Modupe Taylor-Pearce leaves behind a legacy etched in discipline, service, and integrity—one that continues to inspire a generation of Sierra Leoneans across all walks of life.
