During this time, he maintained a teaching position at the University of Liberia, where he rose to the post of associate professor from 1985 until 1990.
After serving as Research Specialist at the Ministry of Information, Sankawulo was transferred to the Executive Mansion, where he spent almost a year as Assistant Minister of State for Presidential Affairs.
He served as Director-General of the Cabinet from 1983 until 1985 and subsequently as Special Assistant for Academic Affairs to President Samuel K. Doe.
The council of the state consisted of a civilian chair and members Charles Taylor, United Liberation Movement of Liberia for Democracy-K leader Alhaji Kromah, Liberia Peace Council leader George Boley, and two other civilians.
[citation needed] Sankawulo stepped down from office on 3 September 1996, and was succeeded by Ruth Perry as chairwoman of this Council of State, who served until 2 August 1997, when she handed power to Charles Taylor, following elections held in July 1997.