Africa-Press – Liberia. The Political leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), Mr. Alexander B. Cummings, has called for a bold and strategic focus on education as the cornerstone of national development.
Delivering the keynote address at the graduation ceremony of the Alexander B. Cummings Model Science and Technology School (ABCMSTS) in Monrovia, Cummings outlined four national priorities that he believes are essential for Liberia to achieve meaningful progress.
Speaking before a packed audience of students, parents, educators, and dignitaries, he declared, “If we want a better Liberia, we must be serious and strategic about our intentions. And it begins with education.”
According to Cummings, the most urgent priority is to invest in teachers across all levels of education. He said a school is only as good as its teachers. Beautiful buildings can be built, but if the teaching is poor, it is a waste of time, he said. “It’s simple: garbage in, garbage out.”
He emphasized the need for highly qualified, well-trained, and well-paid teachers, from elementary to university and vocational levels, stating that without them, Liberia’s future would remain in jeopardy. This must be the number one priority, he stressed.
The second priority, Cummings said, is to construct a two-track education system that values both academic and vocational training equally, stating that not everyone wants to be a doctor or a lawyer, and that is perfectly fine. The country desperately needs skilled electricians, master plumbers, expert mechanics, modern farmers, and world-class IT technicians.
He noted that both academic and vocational paths must be powered by STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, a field he called the engine of the modern world.
The Liberian politician also emphasized the urgent need for adult literacy and continuing education, describing it as a frequently overlooked component of national development.
“We cannot build a strong future if a large part of our current population cannot read, write, or perform basic math,” he said. “We have parents and grandparents with so much wisdom to offer, but they are held back by functional illiteracy. We must give them the tools to succeed. We cannot leave a whole generation behind.”
The final priority emphasized the need to invest in systems that ensure quality and accountability in education. A diploma from a school in Maryland should mean the same thing as a diploma from a school in Montserrado. He stressed the need for national standards and real processes for accountability. It isn’t worth building a strong house on a weak foundation, and these systems are the nation’s educational foundation.
Turning to the ABCMSTS graduating Class of 2025, Cummings delivered an uplifting and heartfelt message.
“To the members of the Board, the Principal and faculty, our distinguished guests, proud parents and guardians, and most importantly, to the graduating Class of 2025 of the Alexander B. Cummings Model Science and Technology School, it is an honor to stand before you. Look at these bright, hopeful faces, ready to take on the world,” he said to applause.
He encouraged the graduates to savor their achievement and take pride in the hard work that brought them to this moment.
Take a deep breath. Feel this moment. This is your day. You earned it through long nights of study, challenging projects, and a commitment to excellence. You are the pride of your families, the pride of this institution, and a shining hope for the future of Liberia, he added.
Cummings reminded the students that high school graduation is not the end but the beginning of a lifelong journey. “This is just the starting point of your next great adventure,” he said. “The diploma you receive today is not a ticket to stop learning. It is your passport to learn more.”
He also extended deep gratitude to the parents, guardians, and extended families who supported the students throughout their academic journey.
Speaking further, he asked for an even bigger round of applause for the parents, prompting cheers from the audience. He reminded them that their sacrifice, prayers, hard work, and unwavering support are the silent engines that powered these students to this day.
However, he urged them not to stop now. “As they step into this new chapter, they will need your wisdom and your encouragement more than ever. Please, continue to stand with them as they continue their educational journey.”
Cummings used the occasion to speak openly about his family’s role in establishing and supporting ABCMSTS. He clarified that, although the school bears his name, neither he nor his family benefits from it.
“This is a point of personal privilege,” he said. “Although this school carries my name, my family and I do not own it. We do not benefit financially from ABCMSTS, no financial benefits at all.”
The school, according to him, represents a long-term investment in Liberia’s future. The family believes in building a country where every child has the opportunity to reach their God-given potential, he affirmed.
In his closing remarks, Cummings left the graduates with a challenge and a call to action.
“So, to the graduating class of 2025: Go forth from this place with courage and with confidence. You are the architects of the new Liberia. Go and build. Go and innovate. Go and lead. Never forget the lessons you learned here, and never, ever stop learning.”
The ceremony concluded with a standing ovation and a renewed sense of purpose among students, educators, and families, united in the belief that education is the true engine of national transformation.
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