President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia delivered a compelling address at the 73rd Annual Council Meeting of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), emphasizing the urgent need for inclusive examination policies and practices within the Liberian educational system and the broader West African subregion. He stressed that WAEC must prioritize creating accessible testing environments for students with disabilities, ensuring they have equal opportunities to demonstrate their abilities and achieve their academic potential. This includes implementing accommodations such as extended time, alternative formats, specialized care, and accessible testing locations. President Boakai passionately argued that such inclusivity would not only empower individual students and their families but would also contribute significantly to the overall development and strength of the nation. He envisioned a future where every learner, regardless of their circumstances, has the chance to excel beyond expectations.
Highlighting the profound impact of inclusive education, President Boakai drew a personal connection, sharing that his own mother was handicapped. He underscored that an inclusive system sends a powerful message about a nation’s commitment to diversity and its recognition of the valuable contributions of all citizens. He called upon WAEC to collaborate with the Liberian government and actively engage with marginalized communities to champion the rights of all learners, striving towards a truly equitable educational landscape for Liberia and the entire region. He emphasized the nation’s strength lies in its ability to uplift and empower every citizen, leaving no one behind, and urged the attendees to renew their passion for education, using the 73rd anniversary of WAEC as a catalyst for change.
President Boakai’s vision extended beyond mere access to encompass a future where every child in West Africa has a genuine opportunity to succeed. He reiterated the belief that education is the key to unlocking human potential and urged a shared commitment to progress, advocating for a brighter, more inclusive, equitable, and promising future for all. He called for a collective effort to create a just society where every voice is heard and every dream is nurtured. His message resonated with a diverse audience including educational leaders, policymakers, administrators, and parents, recognizing their crucial roles in shaping the future of Liberia’s education system.
The President directly addressed the “backbones” of Liberia’s education system – the educational engineers, ministers, university and college leaders, school superintendents, officers, administrators, and parents – commending their hard work and dedication to inspiring future generations. He acknowledged their role in fostering critical thinking, encouraging big dreams, and nurturing responsible citizenship. He also acknowledged the persistent challenges facing the Liberian education system and underscored the necessity of continued focus on educational funding, infrastructure development, and teacher training programs, including certification and licensing, to enhance learning outcomes.
Recognizing the evolving landscape of education in the digital age, President Boakai emphasized the need to adapt teaching methods and integrate technology to promote digital literacy among students. He advocated for equal access to the tools necessary for success, highlighting the particular disadvantages faced by students and individuals with disabilities who often encounter significant barriers to learning and demonstrating their knowledge. He reiterated his call for inclusive examination policies and practices to address these disparities and ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to fulfill their potential.
President Boakai’s address serves as a powerful call to action, urging WAEC and the broader educational community to prioritize inclusivity and equity. His personal reflections, combined with his vision for a brighter future for all learners, create a compelling argument for transformative change within the Liberian education system and the wider West African region. His emphasis on collaboration, resource allocation, and adaptation to the digital age provides a roadmap for progress, setting the stage for a more just and equitable educational landscape where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
