By Grace Q. Bryant
President Joseph Boakai, has officially launched the country’s first doctoral programs at the University of Liberia.
The historic event, held in the auditorium at the Capitol Hill Campus of the University of Liberia, marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s academic development, positioning the nation to enhance its intellectual and research capacities.
The ceremony gathered government officials, university faculty, local and international partners, and alumni from across Liberia.
In a statement marking the launch of the program, President Boakai described the introduction of the Ph.D. programs in Health Sciences and Education Administration as a transformative step in the nation’s education sector, which aligns with the government’s long-term vision for inclusive development.
“This marks a turning point in Liberia’s higher education landscape. These programs are part of my government’s deliberate efforts to strengthen academic excellence, research, and innovation in Liberia”, President Boakai stated.
He said, “By advancing our intellectual and scientific capabilities, we are positioning Liberia to thrive in a knowledge-based global economy.”
President Boakai emphasized that the doctoral programs are a key component of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), Liberia’s national development plan.
The AAID prioritizes education, alongside agriculture, roads, rule of law, sanitation, and tourism, as foundational pillars for national progress.
“Education is the bedrock of sustainable development. These doctoral programs will contribute to addressing challenges in our educational system, including access, quality, and outcomes”, the President noted.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting higher education through investments in infrastructure, research funding, and partnerships with international institutions. “Through significant budgetary allocations, we are ensuring that Liberia’s future is anchored on a robust academic foundation”, he added.
He stressed that the launch of the doctoral programs is expected to attract international scholars and researchers, positioning Liberia as an emerging hub for research and innovation in West Africa.
“These programs will equip Liberians with advanced skills needed to compete on the global stage while driving national development,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of collaboration between the government, the private sector, and international academic institutions.
He acknowledged the support of the Consortium of United States Universities and other partners who contributed to the success of the program.
The President commended the University of Liberia’s leadership and the first cohort of doctoral students for their dedication, urging them to uphold the values of integrity, academic rigor, and innovation.
The University of Liberia announced that the Ph.D. in Education will offer three specialized tracks: Educational Administration, Measurement and Evaluation, and Curriculum and Instruction, providing advanced knowledge and leadership skills critical for shaping the future of education.
In the Health Sciences’ track, the Ph.D. will feature two key areas: Biomedical Sciences, with a focus on Immunology, Virology, and Microbiology, and Public Health, emphasizing Epidemiology and Biostatistics.
These programs aim to enhance the university’s research capabilities, fostering groundbreaking scholarship in healthcare and public health.
With these new programs, the University of Liberia continues to strengthen its role as a leader in higher education and research, contributing to global advancements through rigorous academic inquiry and innovation.
President Boakai concluded by officially declaring the doctoral programs launched, signaling a new chapter in Liberia’s academic and research landscape.
The Acting President of the University of Liberia, Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, expressed pride in the historic moment, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to fostering research and innovation as central to the country’s educational transformation.
He highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the new Ph.D. programs, which will bring together experts from diverse fields to address Liberia’s most pressing challenges in healthcare and education.
Dr. Conteh noted that the launch of the programs was the result of years of meticulous planning and dedication by the university’s faculty, administration, and international partners.
He expressed optimism that these initiatives will serve as a springboard for developing additional doctoral programs in the future.
Dr. Conteh thanked all stakeholders, including the National Institutes of Health, USAID, and various partner universities, for their support and collaboration in bringing these programs to fruition.
He called on students, faculty, alumni, government officials, and international partners to work together to ensure the success of the programs, which he described as a model of academic excellence for other institutions in Liberia and beyond.
