Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., Commissioner of the Liberia Maritime Authority, delivered a powerful keynote address at the 16th Opening Convocation of William V.S. Tubman University in Harper, Maryland County. His speech, themed “The Power of Visionary Thinking: Unlocking Potentials and Inspiring Future Success,” served as a clarion call to students, urging them to view education not merely as a means to a degree, but as a potent tool for national transformation. He emphasized the critical role of Tubman University, which has evolved from a modest technical college into a comprehensive university with six colleges, in providing quality tertiary education and nurturing skilled professionals for Liberia’s southeastern region.
Cllr. Lighe challenged the students to embrace visionary thinking, encouraging them to transcend limitations, embrace bold ideas, and act with unwavering purpose. He stressed the importance of applying acquired knowledge to address Liberia’s pressing challenges, highlighting fields such as infrastructure, engineering, and innovation as areas requiring dedicated and skilled professionals. He urged them to pursue knowledge not just for academic success, but to become problem-solvers and proactive agents of change. His message resonated with the importance of bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, emphasizing the transformative power of education when directed towards societal betterment.
Drawing upon his personal experiences, Cllr. Lighe shared his journey of pursuing education amidst the tumultuous backdrop of Liberia’s civil war. This personal anecdote served as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of education even in the face of adversity. He encouraged students to cultivate discipline, persistence, and resilience, emphasizing the importance of self-belief in overcoming obstacles. He cautioned against the debilitating effects of self-doubt, reminding students that it is often a greater impediment to success than actual failure. His message underscored the importance of mental fortitude and perseverance in the pursuit of educational and life goals.
Beyond his inspiring words, Cllr. Lighe reinforced his commitment to education through concrete actions. He announced the Liberia Maritime Authority’s sponsorship of two Tubman University graduates for Master’s degrees in Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering in India. This generous gesture highlighted the Maritime Authority’s recognition of the importance of investing in advanced education to develop specialized skills within the maritime sector. He further revealed plans to offer additional postgraduate scholarships at the Regional Maritime University in Ghana, along with local sponsorships for 100 students over the next three years, demonstrating a substantial investment in the future of Liberian education.
These scholarship initiatives reflect a strategic approach to human capital development, aiming to equip Liberian students with the expertise needed to contribute to the nation’s maritime industry and broader economic growth. By supporting higher education in specialized fields, the Liberia Maritime Authority is not only empowering individual students but also strengthening the country’s capacity in strategically important sectors. This commitment to education signifies a recognition of the long-term benefits of investing in human capital and its crucial role in national development.
In his concluding remarks, Cllr. Lighe employed a powerful metaphor, describing education as the brush and vision as the color, emphasizing the transformative power of education when guided by a clear vision. He reminded students that the choices they make and the knowledge they acquire will not only shape their individual destinies but also contribute to the future trajectory of Liberia. His message underscored the profound responsibility that comes with education, urging students to become active participants in shaping a brighter future for their nation. This call to action resonated deeply, leaving the graduating class with a sense of purpose and the understanding that their education is not just a personal achievement but a crucial contribution to national progress.
