Student Information Management Systems (SIMS) are vital for managing academic and administrative
processes. At the Institute of Public Administration and Management - University of Sierra Leone (IPAM - USL), current
practices remain largely manual, leading to delays, errors, and inefficiencies. This study explores the challenges and
prospects of implementing an AI-powered SIMS at IPAM. The objectives include assessing existing practices, identifying
user expectations, and examining factors influencing adoption. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Structured
questionnaires were administered to 60 students and 11 lecturers. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive
statistics, while qualitative responses were examined through thematic analysis. Findings reveal under-utilisation of the
current SIMS and strong demand for real-time updates, automation, and mobile access. It is recommended that IPAMUSL adopt a fully integrated, AI-powered SIMS with mobile optimisation and user training to enhance efficiency and
engagement.