By Grace Q. Bryant
A Senior Research Associate at Johns Hopkins University, Tolbert Nyenswah, emphasized the importance of the University of Liberia’s (UL) newly launched doctoral programs, describing them as crucial for closing the gap in Liberia’s ability to train its own experts.
Speaking at the launch ceremony on October 23 at the University of Liberia’s Capitol Hill Campus, Nyenswah highlighted that the program will significantly reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign investigators, particularly during health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This launch of doctoral programs, beginning with health sciences, could not have been timely. As Liberia strives to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world, this program is a significant match for our efforts to foster critical thinking, advanced research, and innovation in health and education,” he said.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Liberia relied heavily on foreign investigators with advanced training in health sciences to conduct research.
Nyenswah expressed optimism that the newly launched Ph.D. programs will change that dynamic by building a generation of Liberian researchers and experts.
The doctoral programs, housed in the College of Health Sciences and the William P. C. Essuman College of Education, represent a significant step forward for academic excellence in Liberia, a country that has historically faced challenges in offering advanced research and education opportunities.
Specializations in health sciences will include Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology, Immunology, Epidemiology, and Public Health, while the education programs will focus on Educational Administration, Curriculum Development, and Instructional Design.
Nyenswah, who served as the keynote speaker at the event, reflected on the central role public health has played in his career, noting how robust research and education systems are essential for managing public health crises.
Drawing from the 2014 Ebola outbreak, which claimed nearly 5,000 lives in Liberia, he emphasized the importance of developing local research capacity.
“We overcame the Ebola epidemic through the collaborative efforts of national and international partners, but our journey toward building a resilient health system continues,” he said.
The University of Liberia partnered with leading international institutions such as Boston University, Yale University, and the University of California to ensure the doctoral programs meet international standards.
These programs were rigorously reviewed and validated by UL’s Academic Coordination Committee, Faculty Senate, and the National Commission on Higher Education, and were later approved by the Board of Trustees.
Nyenswah, renowned for his leadership during the Ebola epidemic, also stressed that the launch comes after years of preparation and international collaboration.
He underscored the vital role of academic and research institutions in building national resilience, adding that Liberia needs more homegrown experts in health and education.
The Vice President for Graduate Studies & Research, Prof. Jonathan C. Taylor, along with other notable figures, including members of the legislature, judiciary, and Liberia’s academic community, were in attendance.
The event also attracted representatives from Liberia’s international partners, development agencies, and members of the University of Liberia’s faculty and student body.
The University of Liberia, founded as Liberia College in 1862, and renamed in 1951, marks 162 years of existence with this milestone achievement. Faculty and alumni present at the launch expressed pride and enthusiasm for the university’s future and its growing role in shaping Liberia’s educational and health sectors.
He urged students and faculty to seize this moment and continue building on the university’s legacy of resilience and progress, “This historic occasion will have lasting consequences for Liberia’s development.”
