Starz University, one of Liberia’s prominent private higher education institutions, is poised to launch a Bachelor of Science degree program in cyber security starting in 2025. The announcement was made during a recent event held at the university’s main campus in Sinkor, Monrovia, which saw the participation of key educational stakeholders, including representatives from the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE), Liberia National Police (LNP), Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), and the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL). This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to addressing the pressing need for cybersecurity skill development in Liberia amid the growing complexities and risks associated with the digital landscape.
In his address at the launch, Ambassador Latim Da-Thong, founder and board chair of Starz University, emphasized the critical nature of cybersecurity within the digital age, noting the increasing scale and severity of cyber threats. As more businesses, governments, and individuals depend on digital platforms, the risks associated with cyberattacks are escalating, making the cultivation of a skilled workforce in cybersecurity vital. The university’s proposal for integrating a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity aims to meet this need by creating a robust educational framework that combines theoretical concepts with practical applications, thus preparing students to tackle real-world challenges.
The proposed curriculum for the degree program will cover crucial topics such as Cyber Threats and Vulnerabilities, Network Security, Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing, Digital Forensics, Data Protection and Privacy, Compliance, and Cyber Law. Ambassador Da-Thong highlighted that the educational endeavor aims to develop adept cybersecurity professionals who can enhance Liberia’s national cybersecurity infrastructure, bolster economic stability, and contribute to global competitiveness. The program is designed to cater not only to high school graduates but also to IT professionals and individuals from both the public and private sectors, reflecting its diverse applicability and significance.
Given the current reliance on digital systems in Liberia, Ambassador Da-Thong pointed out the country’s vulnerability to cyber threats and the pressing need to address the existing skills gap in cybersecurity. He argued that such a gap presents a substantial risk to economic growth, effective governance, and the protection of sensitive data. As a leading institution committed to higher learning, Starz University aims to fill this gap with its Cybersecurity program, underscoring its strategic importance for national security and long-term development.
Support for this initiative from national stakeholders was palpable at the launch event, where attendees recognized the timely nature of the program in mitigating daily cyber risks faced by various organizations. The Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Mr. Gregory O. W. Coleman, echoed this sentiment, stressing the urgent need for collaboration between law enforcement and educational institutions like Starz University to enhance the skills of police administrators and officers. His remarks underscored the broader consensus among stakeholders that training in cybersecurity is essential for institutional preparedness against potential cyber threats.
Overall, the introduction of a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity by Starz University signifies a proactive step toward enhancing Liberia’s digital security landscape. By aligning educational offerings with current industry needs, the university not only addresses the immediate skills gap within the country but also positions Liberia to better face the increasing challenges of cybersecurity in a rapidly evolving digital world. The collaborative efforts between various stakeholders reinforce the strategic importance of this initiative, highlighting a collective commitment to safeguarding national interests in the realm of cybersecurity.
