The University of Liberia (UL) has received a generous donation of several sealed boxes containing advanced printing and cutting machines.
These will be utilized to establish a fully operational printing press at the university.
The donation was made by Changsha University of Science and Technology from the People’s Republic of China and presented by the Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, YIN Chengwu, to the UL Administration at its Fendall campus.
During the presentation, Ambassador Chengwu noted that this donation represents the latest milestone in the partnership between Changsha University and the University of Liberia, highlighting it as “a concrete manifestation of friendship between China and Liberia in the field of education.”
Following the donation’s ceremony, the UL Administration, alongside the Chinese Ambassador and his delegation, participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for a multi-purpose building dedicated to the printing press.
It can be recalled that in 2019, the UL Administration formally requested support from Changsha University for the establishment of a University Printing Press.
While the request was approved, the processing and delivery of the equipment were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The equipment includes large paper cutting machines, high-speed multi-color printers, laminating machines, greasing machines, binding machines, and various office equipment and accessories.
Ambassador Chengwu emphasized that this printing equipment would enhance the quality of teaching and learning at the University of Liberia.
“I believe these printing machines will assist UL in teaching, administration, and provide better study opportunities for students,” he remarked.
He also highlighted the benefits of China-Liberia relations, noting several initiatives in education, technical assistance, infrastructure, and economic development, including the construction of the UL Fendall campus and scholarships for Liberian students to study in China.
Ambassador Chengwu expressed confidence that effective utilization of the equipment would contribute to improving educational outcomes.
In response, UL Acting President, Dr. Al Hassan Conteh, has expressed gratitude to Ambassador Chengwu and Changsha University for the generous donation.
“We sincerely appreciate this gesture of friendship, which signifies Changsha’s belief in the mission of the University of Liberia to enhance higher education in our country,” Dr. Conteh stated.
He said, “Such contributions help build the foundation for our students to achieve excellence and strengthen the ties between our two institutions united by a common goal.”
Dr. Conteh specifically acknowledged the significance of the donation to UL’s mission of promoting quality research, teaching, and learning.
“This provision of printing materials significantly enhances our infrastructure and capabilities, allowing us to improve our research, teaching, and learning experiences,” he added.
He further emphasized that the printing machines will facilitate the production of high-quality educational materials, ensuring excellence in education.
“The new facility will host our printing operations and serve as a hub for innovation, creativity, and knowledge sharing,” he assured.
Additionally, Dr. Conteh announced the establishment of the UL Printing Press to ensure the timely and effective use of the equipment donated by Changsha University.
According to Madam Zhou Hongzhuan, co-director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Liberia and representative of Changsha University of Science and Technology, the value of the equipment is placed at US$80,000.
