By Grace Q. Bryant
Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh has called on graduates to transform their academic achievements into practical solutions for the nation’s development.
Speaking at the 25th commencement convocation of Stella Maris Polytechnic University in Monrovia, Justice Yuoh emphasized the importance of applying the skills and knowledge acquired during their studies to bring about tangible changes.
Stella Maris Polytechnic University celebrated its silver jubilee by graduating 837 students; 442 females and 395 males at the event held under the theme: “Your Education is an Agent for Positive Change, Nationally and Globally.”
Chief Justice Yuoh remarked urging the graduates not just to dream but to take actionable steps toward achieving their aspirations adding, “A vision is only worthy if the vision bearer takes practical steps to make it a reality.”
She stressed the need for the graduates to apply their knowledge to Liberia’s social, economic, infrastructural, educational, and health sectors. “What counts is your actualization and application of these diverse professions acquired over the past four or five years,” she stated.
Justice Yuoh challenged graduates in environmental sciences to produce empirical research on national issues such as waste pollution, sewage management and erosion control.
She urged the engineering graduates to develop infrastructural project prototypes that could be presented to the Ministry of Public Works or international bodies, focusing on critical issues like traffic congestion and urban planning.
Health sciences graduates were encouraged to focus on innovative approaches to combat prevalent diseases such as malaria, high blood pressure, and diabetes, and to work on reducing infant mortality and improving healthcare delivery systems.
Similarly, education graduates were advised to inspire a passion for lifelong learning among their students and promote integrity in both the public and private sectors.
Addressing the economics graduates, Chief Justice Yuoh posed critical questions about their plans to develop new revenue policies, reduce inflation, create jobs and foster public-private partnerships to alleviate poverty and promote equitable economic development across Liberia’s 15 political subdivisions.
She also highlighted the importance of self-reliance in agricultural production to reduce dependency on imported rice, which remains heavily subsidized by the government.
The Chief Justice also shared personal anecdotes about her journey and the importance of daring to be different.
She especially challenged female graduates, particularly those from Catholic institutions like her own alma mater, to stand out and make a difference.
“It is my prayer that none of you graduates have a plan to leave these halls and appear with placards before the executive branch or the Capitol Building demanding immediate employment,” she said.
Justice Yuoh addressed the parents, guardians, and sponsors of the graduates, thanking them for their support and investment in the education of the young scholars.
She urged them not to fear their children’s newfound independence but to continue guiding them as they transition from academic life to professional endeavors. “Do not be fearful of them; they still need to be tutored and nurtured,” she advised.
Vice president for Administration at SMPU, Rosalind Doe, expressed deep gratitude to the faculty, staff, students, parents, and supporters who have contributed to the university’s success.
She emphasized the collective efforts and sacrifices made by the university community in fulfilling the vision of the late Archbishop Michael Kpakala Francis.
“For over 25 years, Archbishop Francis envisioned the Catholic Church in Liberia playing a significant role in advancing higher education to benefit society. Today, that vision has been realized through Stella Maris Polytechnic University’s impact on the higher education landscape in Liberia and beyond,” she noted.
Madam Doe highlighted the university’s strategic plan to enhance its educational offerings to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving labor market, including upgrading the skills of professional staff and expanding programs to align with current economic and professional environments.
She also disclosed that two female staff members are expected to graduate next month with master’s degrees in education, while a male staff member will begin a PhD program.
Several other staff members are pursuing advanced degrees in specialized fields, demonstrating the university’s commitment to continuous professional development.
Stella Maris Polytechnic University has introduced new bachelor’s and master’s degree programs while enhancing its certificate and diploma programs.
Key areas of concentration now include finance, banking, marketing management, human resource management, hospitality management, real estate management, industrial relations, agribusiness, online accounting, and international financial reporting.
The university has also strengthened academic programs in junior and senior secondary education, sciences, English and literature, biology, geography, history, and library science to ensure a comprehensive education for all students.
Under the guidance of the Catholic Archdiocese of Monrovia, the university remains committed to training educators at the Bishop John Collins College of Teacher Education to improve the quality of Liberia’s education sector.
To support this commitment, the university offers free education to students from rural areas, ensuring they receive professional training before entering the classroom.
Madam Doe mentioned that the institution has launched initiatives in rice production, animal husbandry, and vegetable cultivation, with long-term goals that include expanding into palm, cocoa, citrus, and avocado farming. These initiatives are part of the university’s broader strategy to contribute to Liberia’s agricultural development.
Archbishop Gabriel Blamo Jubwe, Archbishop of Monrovia, remarked that the recent celebration of Stella Maris Polytechnic University’s 25th anniversary, marks a significant milestone in its journey as a leader in education and innovation in Liberia.
Since its inception, the university has grown from humble beginnings into a beacon of knowledge, opportunity, and technical advancement, contributing significantly to the country’s economic development.
Archbishop Jubwe highlighted the institution’s commitment to providing technical and vocational education, which has been instrumental in equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in Liberia’s evolving economy.
“This approach has been pivotal in addressing unemployment, a persistent issue in Liberia for over 25 years,” he said.
He further noted that over the past quarter-century, Stella Maris Polytechnic has introduced cutting-edge programs, established state-of-the-art laboratories, and formed strategic partnerships with industry leaders.
“Our faculty and staff have been the cornerstone of our success. Their dedication to nurturing the minds of our students and their commitment to excellence in teaching and community engagement have not only enriched the lives of our students but also positioned our Polytechnic as a leader in the field,” he added.
Despite challenges, including limited resources and inadequate compensation for faculty and staff, the university has remained steadfast in its mission to impart knowledge and skills essential for national development.
The achievements of its alumni, who have excelled in various industries, stand as a testament to the quality education being provided at Stella Maris Polytechnic.
“To our students, both past and present, you are the heart of this institution. Your curiosity, creativity, and perseverance are the driving forces behind our continued success. To our alumni, your achievements in various industries inspire current students and underscore the impact of the education you received here,” he noted.
As the institution celebrates graduating 4,735 students over the past 25 years, it also looks to the future with optimism and determination.
“Stella Maris Polytechnic is committed to continuing its tradition of innovation, inclusivity, and resilience, ensuring it remains responsive to the needs of its students and the country,” he concluded.
Archbishop Jubwe closed his remarks by stressing, “Our vision for the future is one where Stella Maris Polytechnic University continues to be a leader in education. We aim to extend our reach and impact, producing graduates who are not only skilled professionals but also responsible, patriotic Liberians and global citizens.”
