On October 23, 2024, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai launched a significant initiative aimed at positioning Liberia as a leading research hub in West Africa through the introduction of doctoral programs at the University of Liberia (UL). This ambitious plan is designed to attract international students and scholars, creating an environment conducive to academic collaboration and innovation. During the launch event, President Boakai emphasized that the establishment of these programs will enhance the country’s educational landscape and produce highly qualified graduates who can contribute to both national development and global academic discourse. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to fostering advancement in research, innovation, and higher education, which he laid out as critical to measuring economic growth effectively, in line with the ARREST agenda for inclusive development.
The immediate outcome of this initiative is the slated beginning of the doctoral programs in 2025, with a focus on a range of disciplines including educational administration, curriculum and instruction, biomedical sciences, and public health. Notable degrees will include PhDs in Curriculum and Instruction, Education Administration, Measurement and Evaluation, along with specialized degrees in Biomedical Sciences and various health-related fields. This diverse set of programs is intended to bolster the University of Liberia’s role in enhancing academic offerings and stimulate advanced research initiatives that will address the pressing challenges facing the nation. The launch ceremony was graced by key stakeholders including government officials, diplomats, academics, and students, signaling widespread support for this transformative agenda within the higher education sector.
UL’s Acting President, Professor Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, articulated a vision of using these doctoral programs to foster a culture of critical thinking, creativity, and evidence-based problem solving that is essential for nurturing future leaders. He underscored the commitment to academic integrity and innovation that will guide these programs, ensuring that they meet rigorous standards while addressing Liberia’s unique educational challenges. Dr. Conteh further emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships with both local and international institutions to provide students and faculty access to valuable resources and collaborative opportunities, encouraging collective efforts among government, academia, and partners to establish a model of excellence in education.
Delivering the keynote address at the launch, Dr. Cllr. Tolbert G. Nyenswah from Johns Hopkins University reiterated the significance of these new doctoral programs as symbols of Liberia’s commitment to advancing education and research. He outlined the government’s essential role in spearheading this initiative, asserting that it would not have been possible without robust contributions from various stakeholders. Dr. Nyenswah particularly highlighted the critical first steps in establishing a PhD program in biomedical and public health, stating that this will furnish scholars with vital competencies to address global health challenges effectively. His remarks reinforce the collaborative spirit necessary for the long-term success and sustainability of these programs.
The enthusiasm surrounding the launch of the doctoral programs was reflected in the words of Thomas Romeo Quioh, the Acting Chair of the University of Liberia’s Board of Trustees. He emphasized the necessity of preserving the integrity of the university as an academic institution that should remain free from political interference. Quioh’s remarks were a call for maintaining a focused environment conducive to scholarly activities; underscoring that all necessary requirements would be put in place to facilitate the successful implementation of the doctoral programs. Moreover, Liberia’s Minister of Education, Dr. Jarso Jallah, emphasized the need for teamwork among all stakeholders to ensure the successful creation and execution of these educational initiatives.
As Liberia embarks on this transformative educational journey, the introduction of doctoral programs at the University of Liberia represents not just an enhancement in academic offerings but a broader aspiration to place Liberia firmly on the map of global education and research. President Boakai’s vision encompasses creating a vibrant intellectual community that engages local and international scholars alike, emphasizing the role of research and innovation in guiding the nation’s development. With the government’s commitment to allocate necessary resources and foster partnerships across various sectors, there lies a strong foundation for elevating Liberia’s educational standards to meet contemporary global challenges. The collective effort to make higher education in Liberia a priority promises a brighter future for the next generation of leaders and innovators in the country.
