By Moses M. Tokpah-Margibi
President Joseph Boakai says the mushrooming of substandard universities in Liberia needs to be addressed by the Ministry of Education and the National Commission on Higher Education.
Delivering his keynote address at the 3rd commencement convocation of the Margibi University in Harbel, Margibi County over the weekend, President Boakai said the offspring of substandard universities in the country is unjust and undermines the development of the country.
“The mushrooming of substandard universities in this country must be addressed head-on by the Ministry of Education and the National Commission on Higher Education because it is unjust and undermines the development of the country. The children of this country deserve the best,” the Liberian leader stressed.
The President also recommended that the accreditation of educational institutions as universities in the country should be a thorough process, grounded in clear, well-defined criteria.
He expressed the need for government to continue to invest in and strengthen all higher education institutions across the country, to ensure they maintain and surpass the highest educational standards noting that this is why government must be cautious about the proliferation of institutions claiming university status.
He said the government must remain steadfast in its commitment to delivering quality education that equips the Liberian students to lead with excellence.
The President called on the administration of Margibi University that the elevation of the institution comes with an expectation of performance and output.
He also challenged the administration to continue to engage qualified faculty, trainers, and mentors as in his words, “technical training and career mentoring are vital motivators for success in the lives of young people.”
According to him, it is also essential that the institution continues to enhance its infrastructure and capacity including an upgraded library, the integration of modern information and communication technologies, and the development of teaching resources that will provide the best learning experience for students.
President Boakai explained that technology evolves, and they must ensure that the country’s education system is aligned with global standards and prepares students for future challenges.
He acknowledged that financial support is equally vital for the long-term sustainability of the Margibi University and as a government; they will continue to seek the collaboration of local and international partners, including corporations such as Firestone and China Union, to ensure that Margibi University remains well-resourced for effective teaching and learning.
“We will support you to continue contributing to Liberia’s educational and economic development,” the President assured the Margibi University’s leadership.
He furthered that the role of Margibi University and other educational institutions in Liberia at this time of globalization and rapid technological advancement cannot be overstated.
President Boakai averred that as Liberia faces numerous challenges to compete with the rest of the world, educational institutions like Margibi University have the power to reshape the future by nurturing the minds and talents of the future leaders (youths) who will guide Liberia into a new era of growth and prosperity.
He maintained that the institution is expected to buckle up and set the bar higher for the goals it pursues and be careful not to become complacent by the elevation and rest on its laurels.
Meanwhile, the Liberian leader has admonished graduates of the university to not allow the challenges they face in life to define them. He pointed out that what defines them instead, is how they respond to those challenges.
He told the graduates that they have the power to turn obstacles into opportunities, adding that the key is perseverance, a positive mindset, and a relentless pursuit of progress.
He then charged the graduates to strive to reach their full potential, set ambitious goals, work tirelessly towards them, and never settle for mediocrity. “As a government, we leave you with the assurance that our doors are open. We remain committed to supporting Margibi University, ensuring it continues to grow and maintain high educational standards,” he indicated.
