Africa-Press – Liberia. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has officially launched the doctoral degree programs at the University of Liberia.
The launch, which took place on Wednesday, October 23 at the auditorium of the UL, will grant degrees in health sciences and educational administration. It was followed by a symposium on the theme, “Strengthening Research and Innovation for Higher Education Transformation in Liberia,” underscoring the role of cutting-edge research in shaping the country’s future.
This theme reflects the government’s recognition of education as a vital component of national development, not only for improving access to quality education but also for addressing challenges related to educational outcomes.
During the ceremony, President Boakai emphasized the profound impact these programs will have on national growth. “This initiative,” he said, “dramatically elevates our nation’s intellectual and research capabilities, helping to transform Liberia into a knowledge-based economy.”
He further highlighted his government’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, research, and innovation, stating that these pillars are critical in positioning Liberia for sustained economic growth.
The President reaffirmed that the doctoral programs align with the national ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), a comprehensive five-year plan aimed at promoting sustainable human development through key sectors such as agriculture, roads, the rule of law, education, sanitation, and tourism. He particularly emphasized the importance of pillar four, which focuses on higher education, innovation, and research.
“The rollout of these programs comes at an opportune time in our national growth and renewal,” the President noted, adding that they will help to support the AAID’s broader vision for educational reform and human resource development.
With the introduction of these advanced academic programs, Liberia is poised to produce highly skilled graduates capable of contributing to both national development and global academic and scientific communities. The President expressed optimism that the programs will attract international scholars and students, eventually positioning Liberia as a hub for knowledge production and research within the region. “These doctoral programs have the potential to put Liberia on the map as a center of academic excellence,” he said.
In his remarks, the President also stressed the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and international partners, including the Consortium of United States Universities for the Support of Higher Education in Liberia. He assured the public that his administration would make budgetary appropriations to provide the necessary resources to ensure the success of this groundbreaking initiative.
Recognizing the efforts of the University of Liberia administration, international partners, and stakeholders who contributed to the development of the curriculum, the President commended their dedication and partnership. He also took a moment to address the first cohort of doctoral students, reminding them of their pivotal role as pioneers of these programs. “You carry the responsibility to uphold the core values of intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and integrity,” he told the students.
The President’s speech was met with applause as he officially launched the doctoral programs, inviting all present to join hands in making such a momentous occasion a lasting success for the nation’s future. The unveiling of these programs is expected to serve as a catalyst for a new era of educational excellence and research innovation, one that will have lasting impacts on Liberia’s socio-economic development.
As Liberia continues to invest in its human capital through initiatives like these, the country moves ever closer to realizing its vision of becoming a knowledge-driven society, capable of tackling modern challenges and fostering sustainable progress. The launch of the doctoral programs at the University of Liberia stands as a testament to this commitment and to the transformative power of education in shaping a nation’s destiny.
Dr. Cllr. Tolbert G. Nyenswah, Senior Research Associate and Faculty Member at Johns Hopkins University, delivered the keynote address during the launch of the University of Liberia’s doctoral programs in health sciences, marking a significant moment for both the institution and the nation.
“It is a profound honor to stand before you at this historic moment, not only for the University of Liberia but for our nation as a whole,” Dr. Nyenswah began. He expressed his gratitude to Professor Al Hassan Conteh for the invitation to speak at the symposium, which coincided with the introduction of doctoral programs specializing in biomedical sciences and public health.
“Public health has been a passion of mine for over two decades,” he continued. Dr. Nyenswah emphasized the timeliness of the symposium’s theme, “Strengthening Research and Innovation for Higher Education Transformation in Liberia.” He noted that this theme is pivotal as Liberia advances toward academic excellence and national development.
Dr. Nyenswah extended warm greetings from his family, as well as from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in Bethesda, U.S., and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, where he has spent the past five years as a senior faculty member in the Department of International Health Systems. “These two great institutions have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth,” he remarked.
He commended the University of Liberia for this significant achievement, stating, “The launch of this doctoral program is a bold step toward fostering critical thinking, advancing research capabilities, and addressing our country’s most pressing health and educational challenges.” He acknowledged the milestone as one that will not only elevate the University but also transform Liberia’s higher education landscape in response to the demands of an evolving world.
Reflecting on Liberia’s past health crises, Dr. Nyenswah recalled the devastating Ebola epidemic of 2014-2016, which claimed nearly 5,000 lives in Liberia and more than 11,000 across West Africa. “The Ebola crisis brought the world to its knees, a stark reminder of the urgent need for robust research and education to build resilience.” He recounted how international leaders, including the U.S. President at the time, emphasized the global nature of the catastrophe, underscoring the importance of collective action.
As Liberia and the world continue to face emerging public health threats, such as the ongoing Mpox outbreak, Dr. Nyenswah stressed that “these recurring crises call for continuous innovation in research and public health education.” He shared how Liberia learned critical lessons from the Ebola crisis, which led to the establishment of the Department of Public Health Emergency and Epidemic Control under the Ministry of Health and the creation of the National Public Health Institute. “The intent,” he said, “was to create a center of excellence for public health research and laboratory science in Liberia.”
Dr. Nyenswah concluded by emphasizing the critical role that the new doctoral programs will play in strengthening Liberia’s capacity to respond to health challenges. He encouraged all stakeholders to support these efforts, recognizing that the future of Liberia’s public health and educational sectors lies in the hands of its new generation of researchers and innovators.
Prof. Dr. Al Hassan Conteh, Acting President of the University of Liberia, warmly welcomed President Boakai, his entourage, and all participants to the official launch and symposium of the University’s doctoral programs. With immense pride and profound joy, Dr. Conteh noted that this moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the University of Liberia.
“Today, we launch doctoral degree programs in Health Sciences and Educational Administration, a milestone that underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing research and innovation for higher education transformation in Liberia,” he stated.
As the University strives for academic excellence, Dr. Conteh highlighted the critical role that research and innovation play in addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. “Our doctoral programs aim to foster a culture of critical thinking, creativity, and evidence-based problem solving. We are not only shaping scholars; we are nurturing the next generation of leaders who will transform Liberia’s healthcare and educational sectors, aligned with our country’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development,” he emphasized.
He outlined key highlights of the doctoral programs, including a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. “These programs will unite experts from diverse fields to tackle complex issues and develop innovative solutions to Liberia’s healthcare and educational challenges,” Dr. Conteh noted. Additionally, he stressed that the programs are designed to empower future leaders to drive Liberia’s development forward.
Reflecting on the journey to this significant moment, Dr. Conteh acknowledged the years of hard work, meticulous planning, and unwavering dedication from the University’s faculty, administration, and partners. “This launch represents a bold step forward in our quest to remain a beacon of higher learning and a catalyst for development in Liberia and beyond.”
He concluded by reaffirming the University’s vision for the new PhD programs, rooted in the belief that higher education must serve as a transformative tool for societal progress.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
