By Grace Q. Bryant
The United Methodist University (UMU) graduated over seven hundred students across various disciplines in its 20th commencement ceremony.
The event, held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Liberty Christian Center in Johnsonville, Montserrado was marked by pride, inspiration, and a resounding call for graduates to embrace innovation and resilience in their careers.
The ceremony brought together families, faculty, and an enthusiastic graduating class as degrees were conferred in disciplines such as Education, Information Technology, Theology, Chemistry, Biology, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Political Science, English, Mass Communication, Sociology, Midwifery, Nursing, and Procurement and Supply Chain Management. Additionally, eighteen graduates received their master’s degrees, marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys.
The School of Graduate 18 candidates, 15 candidates of the college of Theology, 26 candidates of the J.J Roberts College of Education, 76 candidates of the Liberal and Fine Arts College of West Africa, 74 candidates of Stephen T. Nagbe College of Natural and Applied Sciences, 16 candidates of Bishop Samuel J. Quire College of Information and Communication Technology 120 candidates of Health Sciences BSN, 17 candidates BSM, 327 candidates of Management and Administration admitted in Accounting, Economics, Procurement ; Supply Chain Management and Banking and Finance.
Serving as the keynote speaker, the CEO of Aminata and Sons Group of Companies, Emmanuel Togba, challenged the graduates to redefine their professional futures. He urged them not to confine themselves to the traditional pursuit of jobs but to become creators of opportunities in an evolving economic landscape.
“Today marks not just an end, but a beginning. I challenge each of you to look beyond the conventional employment model. Instead of searching for the perfect job, consider how you can be the creator of opportunities, a pioneer of new ventures, and a leader in industries waiting for transformation,” he declared.
His words resonated deeply with the graduates and attendees, igniting a sense of purpose and ambition as they prepared to step into the next phase of their lives.
Also making remarks at the ceremony, Rev. James Boyes-Caulker, Resident Bishop of the Sierra Leone Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church, encouraged the graduates to persevere and seize opportunities.
He emphasized the importance of teamwork and faith in navigating the complexities of the modern world, “You need eyes to discern and navigate the challenges of this present age. The limitations of the classroom are broken. Now, you are stepping into a world of endless opportunities. Keep moving forward, work together, and do not be intimidated by anything.”
Drawing inspiration from historical leaders, he quoted Martin Luther King Jr.: “If you can’t fly, run; if you can’t run, walk; if you can’t walk, crawl; but by all means, keep moving.”
The bishop also encouraged graduates to seek divine wisdom, referencing the biblical story of Blind Bartimaeus. “Ask Jesus to open your eyes, so you may see the opportunities and challenges ahead,” he urged.
The university’s 20th graduation ceremony not only celebrated academic success but also served as a powerful reminder of the role innovation, perseverance, and faith play in shaping a successful future.
