The chairperson of the Board of Starz University, Latim Da-Thong, has announced that the institution will introduce a Bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security beginning January 2025.
This initiative follows six months of meticulous planning, aimed at addressing the escalating demand for skilled professionals in the cyber security sector.
Ambassador Da-Thong highlighted the university’s proactive engagement with key stakeholders, including the Liberia National Police (LNP), the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), the Central Bank of Liberia, and the Liberia Telecommunications Corporation.
These consultations were critical in ensuring that the new curriculum meets national standards and addresses the needs of the industry.
“We have collaborated with major stakeholders to review the curriculum, ensuring that what students learn will help protect the infrastructure of these institutions,” Da-Thong informed reporters.
He added that the program has successfully passed validation processes through the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) and will span four years.
The decision to launch this program, according to Da-Thong, aligns with Starz University’s commitment to innovation and equipping students with relevant skills for the modern workforce.
He noted that the university had previously responded to similar demands eight years ago by establishing a telecommunications engineering program.
“We can’t depend on foreigners coming here to do it. We are set and ready to start the program in January 2025, and we are excited about our decision,” Da-Thong declared. He also disclosed that six Liberians with Master’s degrees in Cyber Security will serve as faculty members.
The announcement coincided with a cyber-security refresher training organized by Uhuru Tech Solutions for ICT students at Starz University on October 17, 2024.
The workshop, marking Cyber Security Month, aimed to combat the rising prevalence of cybercrimes by equipping young individuals with the necessary skills to navigate the digital landscape safely.
The program included presentations and hands-on activities focused on various cyber threats, such as phishing, malware, and data breaches, while also addressing effective risk mitigation strategies.
Florence Gaye, DMG HR, emphasized the importance of promoting a culture of cyber security awareness among students, stating, “This initiative aims to protect our personal information while we navigate the digital world responsibly.”
During the training, Foldestine Paye, CEO of Uhuru Tech Solutions, underscored the critical role of the government in fostering a secured digital environment.
He stressed the need for robust legislation to combat cyber-crimes and called for collaboration between the public and private sectors to develop comprehensive strategies.
Paye remarked, “Cyber threats are real, from identity theft and cyber bullying to scams and misinformation. It’s crucial for youth to educate themselves about these risks and know how to protect their personal information.”
He also encouraged participants to adopt strong, unique passwords and to think critically before sharing information online. “Once information is shared, it can be challenging to retract,” he warned.
Participants left the training expressing enthusiasm about the knowledge they gained, recognizing its relevance in today’s digital landscape.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of cyber security education, with Starz University positioning itself at the forefront of this critical field.
