In 1851, the Republic of Liberia established the Liberia College of Social Sciences and Humanities, now known as the Amos C. Sawyer College, in honor of Dr. Amos C. Sawyer, its former Dean. My journey at this college culminated in graduating as the dux with a Magna Cum Laude in Political Science in the Class of 2001/2002, where I specialized in Comparative Government and Politics, complemented by a minor in European History. This academic experience took place at a time when all colleges within the University of Liberia coordinated their graduation ceremonies on Wednesdays—an interesting tradition I plan to explore further. Established in 1862, the college was originally presided over by Liberia’s first President, Joseph Jerkins Roberts, and opened its doors to just seven students, marking a significant moment in the educational landscape of Liberia.
As time progressed, the University of Liberia was officially created through legislative action nearly a century after Liberia College was founded. The establishment of Liberia’s first university was a pivotal step in providing structured higher education, especially since, at the time, it was the only institution of its kind in the country. Former President William R. Tolbert also had roots in Liberia College, graduating as the dux just like myself. The early days of the university were quite modest, with only two professors guiding a small number of students. Since then, the University of Liberia has expanded into a multifaceted institution that now operates across four campuses, providing a variety of academic programs to a growing number of students.
Initially, the University focused solely on undergraduate education, meaning those wishing to pursue master’s degrees had to look abroad for opportunities. A significant milestone occurred when the first doctoral programs were introduced, reflecting a much-needed evolution in the institution’s capability. Notably, the Graduate School began with a Diploma in Regional Science and Planning, eventually developing into the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Graduate School of International Studies. My academic journey led me to significant achievements, including being dux at both undergraduate and graduate levels, emphasizing the potential for excellence in Liberia’s educational system despite its challenges.
The historical and ongoing disconnect between the University of Liberia and institutions like the JFK Memorial Medical Center reveals systemic issues in the management of educational resources and training facilities. While JFK serves as Liberia’s primary referral hospital, it does not operate under the University’s control, which has raised questions about the supervisory relationship and the practice of students in medical fields. Furthermore, while progress has been made in expanding graduate studies, the need for comprehensive programs across various disciplines remains unmet, underscoring the necessity for further development in higher education and inclusion of graduate programs in all academic fields.
As of 2024, the University of Liberia is faced with numerous infrastructural, administrative, and financial challenges that hinder its growth and success. Poor infrastructure, low salaries, and inconsistent access to essential resources such as the internet and electricity greatly affect the learning environment. These challenges necessitate collaborative efforts between the administration and the national legislature to provide improved facilities and support for both faculty and students. A formal audit of the university budget and practices is also essential to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of resources, particularly given the significant portion of the budget allocated to salaries.
With the launch of doctoral programs underway, there is renewed hope for the role of the University of Liberia as a catalyst for economic growth and advancement in the nation. By investing in faculty recruitment, infrastructure upgrades, and essential services, the University has the opportunity to evolve into a progressive educational institution. As a nation with a rich academic tradition, Liberia must ensure that its higher education system meets contemporary demands and fosters research and innovation to empower future leaders. The recognition of capable educators both domestically and abroad will enhance the quality of education, ultimately benefiting the nation. The responsibility falls upon national leadership to appoint a University President promptly and enact necessary reforms to fulfill the promise of higher education in Liberia.
