The National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) has granted the Forestry Training Institute (FTI) located in Tubmanburg, Bomi County, Western Liberia, an AA degree status.
The AA degree granting status obviously increases the institute’s thirst to excel to a full-fledged degree granting institution FTI offers forestry related courses and has over the years graduated students as middle level foresters at a diploma level.
At the well-attended occasion marking the official unveiling of the accreditation document on January 17, 2024 on the FTI campus in Tubmanburg, the dust of jubilation could be seen whirling high over the campus while rainbow joy could be measured here and there on the faces of the students, faculty members as well as others well-wishers.
The program was graced by high profile representatives from the USAID projects, US Forest Service, Mano River Union, local NGOs, academia, local leaders, amongst others who respectively expressed joy and happiness over the milestone step taken by FTI.
US Forest Service, USAID projects, Mano River Union made remarks and respectively pledged to remain unflinchingly supportive to the institution as it strives to implement its academic dream, especially at a time when the need to produce professional foresters cannot be overemphasized.
They praised the FTI Executive Director, Joel Gamys, for his resilience and persistence which has resulted to the achievement.
The Director General of the National Commission on Higher Education said he was happy to share the success story of the FTI describing as a boost for Liberia, especially the forestry sector while presenting the accreditation certificate to FTI Executive Director, Edward L. Wonkeryor.
The NCHE boss lauded the FTI administration for the milestone achievement and noted that NCHE will continue to ensure that FTI reaches the apex of its dream.
He urged the instructional staff to be exertive ever than before to raise FTI’s flag up high nationally and internationally.
Receiving the accreditation document, Director Gamys expressed excitement and described the occasion as a dream come true.
He reflected on the tedious journey, the challenges faced along the way which had preceded the achievement. He proudly raised his voice recognizing all those who according to him, “heard our cry, gave us the needed attention when we called them, those who saw our dream far away and the need to help us cross the line.”
He recognized the US forest Service, USAID projects, UNDP, amongst others who have and continue to be supportive to FTI.
Mr. Gamys said the status won has given them the impetus to keep excelling saying, “Our next bus stop is to earn a full-fledged degree granting status.’
He said given the measurable attraction of FTI in the wake of progress being made academically and infrastructurally there is need for additional classrooms, logistical support, a state-of-the-art laboratory, amongst others. He used to occasion to thank his staff and the county officials for their collaboration which also helped to successfully brace the dream.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Board of Directors, C. Mike Doryen has lauded all those whose efforts gave birth to the status of FTI as he recognized the late Executive Director, Jeremiah Karmo, whom he said started the process.
