The Minister of States without Porfolio, Haja Mamaka Bility says the elevation of the Booker Washington Institute (BWI) requires concerted efforts.
She said understanding the past is essential to shaping the future because in the 1920, the convergence of interest between the Government of Liberia and the United States’ Government led to the establishment of Firestone Rubber Company in the country.
Minister Bility made these assertions when she served as the 95th Founder’s Day orator of the BWI over the weekend in Kakata, Margibi County saying that similar action can also elevate the school to University of Science and Technology by leveraging partnership with the private sector and embracing the emerging technologies.
According to her, President Joseph Nyema Boakai has a firm commitment to transforming the institute from a High School to a premier Science and Technical University, so she reminded the first female Principal and Executive Officer (EO) of the BWI since 1929, Dr. Nancy Freeman that she is expected to play a pivotal role aimed at achieving the President’s dream for the school.
“Your presence at the school as the Principal signifies Mr. Boakai’s steadfast commitment to the vision for innovative Liberia and his leadership,” she indicated.
Minister Bility pointed out that the theme of the Founders’ Day “Rebranding BWI at 95” is timely and inspiring as the country is preparing to enter the school’s second century adding that the collective efforts of the Alumni Associations, dedicated faulty members including bright students, committed staffs as well as the Margibi Community, supportive industries and development partners will undoubtedly shape the new era of excellence at BWI.
The Superintendent of Margibi County, Victoria Worlobah Duncan who administered the oath of office to Dr. Freeman urged her to lead with dedication and deep commitment towards the development of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
“As the Principal of BWI, you have the power to inspire and empower the next generation of skilled workforce. So your decision and actions will have a lasting impact on the lives of the students and the future of our country,” she informed Madam
Responding, Dr. Freeman stated that learning is holistic that requires clean and conducive environment with availability of instructional materials stating that the intervention of the United States and Swedish Governments including the United Nations organizations, development partners have saved the institute from extinction.
According to her, President Joseph Nyema Boakai has charged them to rebrand BWI by transforming it to Technical University and that they have huge land space including the infrastructure to accommodate for the project.
She then stressed that staff development will be cardinal relative to the elevation of the her alma mater because teachers need to be a master degrees holder and as planned to add to new courses to the curriculum like Biomedical engineering, Arts and music including piloting amongst others.
The outgoing Principal, Dr. Harris Fomba Tarnue stressed that he was exceptionally delighted for solving a major issue that has to do with the title deed of BWI’s property that has been encroached upon for many decades by some unscrupulous individuals as such, he warned them to desist immediately because school has a title deed.
Attorney Tarnue added his action is intended to send a legal notice and a caveat.
He then urged Dr. Freeman to take some innovative action by leveraging it for development purposes saying that the land is 1,080 acres and that it was issued by President Edwin Barclay.
The Representative of the Chair Ex-Officio of the Board of Governors, Jonathan Pay-layleh admitted that they have a huge challenge to rebrand the country, so they must play their part at the school and encouraged everyone to contribute meaningfully.
He however commended those who have assiduously working aimed preserving the legacies of the Founding Fathers and former President C.D.B. King who brought the idea to Liberia.
Mr. Pay-layleh promised to encourage members of the Alumni Associations get involve with the transformation process of the school and assured Principal Freeman of working with the administration.
