By Precious D. Freeman
The Adventist University of West Africa (AUWA) has held its second Multidisciplinary International Research Conference under the theme; The Changing World: Its impacts on Nature, Education, Leadership and Crisis Management.’
The program which is being held on the Adventist University campus in Margibi County is providing knowledge to participants from other countries as well and there will be several presentations made on different topics.
The officer for Research Cooperation at the University, Isaac P. Pogah, explained that in 2018 the first AUWA Multidisciplinary International Conference was held and it was recognized that academic research is one of the most powerful approaches at the disposal of scholars if they are to demonstrate academic strength alongside their peers.
Pogah added that the publications, value as well as measure of one’s academic proficiency also prepare them for excellent recruitment and promotion among
academic ranking hierarchies.
“Those who do not give time to research may focus on activities that do not add value to academic excellence but only rely on shared knowledge by cutting and pasting. They do not have the abilities to contribute any value to quality education,” he explained.
He expressed delight that there are participants registered for this year’s academic research conference and it is expected that the findings of the various research studies that are to be presented during the two days will expand their academic horizon.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Vice President for Academic Affairs for Cuttington University, Roosevelt Jayjay, who served as guest speaker advised the participants to help the government strengthen the educational sector.
Dr. Jayjay said when someone is given the mantle of authority, they should not be left alone because if they are not supported, they will lead alone and that will make progress difficult for the nation.
“If you do not work with government, the government will go astray because you are supposed to tell government what you want or what you want it to do and guide them in how to enjoy their governance,” he said.
“This is a democratic country and the government should be for everybody. All that matters is that the people should be a part of what the government will do in bringing about the needed changes in the nation,” Jayjay added.
Dr. Jayjay observed that the citizens are not really working with the government, something he said, has been happening during past regimes as well, where citizens will just sit and allow the government work unguarded.
“As Liberians, what is wrong with us is us! If changes or developments are to take place, it should begin with us who will work towards that as change is either bitter or sweet; so the choice is yours,” he noted.
Meanwhile, most of the participants interviewed following the launch of the conference said, the research will help in terms of enlightening their knowledge on how to gather and compose an academic research work.
The participants are also calling on their colleagues who were not fortunate to be selected to participate in this year’s event to take interest in similar conference scheduled to take place in the next two years.
“Research is about your own development and your own promotion and to all universities around Liberia, we urged them to get involved into adding research to their curriculum because it also helps students to be eager in understanding more about the government,” the participants said.