GREATER NOIDA, INDIA – A total of 29 Liberians earned advanced academic degrees from Sharda University during its international graduation convocation held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, in Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, India. The graduates obtained master’s degrees in diverse academic disciplines, a milestone seen as a gateway to increased earnings, professional growth, and future leadership roles in Liberia.
Among the group, five graduates were sponsored by the University of Liberia (UL) and hailed from the Amos C. Sawyer College of Social Sciences and Humanities. These include Boimah Coleman, who earned an MSc in Clinical Psychology; Konah Ballah, MA in Political Science; Jarkai Sasey, MA in History; Momo Francis Sheriff, MA in English and Literature; and Henry Mulbah, also with an MA in History.
The Vice President for Academic Affairs of UL, Prof. Dr. Agnes Reeves-Taylor, served as keynote speaker at the convocation. In her address, Dr. Taylor congratulated the graduates for their commitment, determination, and academic excellence. She reminded them that education transcends borders and urged them to use their expertise to make meaningful contributions back home. She also extended gratitude to the Sharda University administration and faculty for nurturing Liberian scholars.
Present at the ceremony was Associate Professor Dr. Josephus Gbala-hinnih Moses Gray, Dean of the Amos C. Sawyer College, who also serves as Sharda University Ambassador to Liberia. Dr. Gray, the first African to serve as Visiting Professor at Sharda University between October and December 2024, played a pivotal role in facilitating academic opportunities for UL-sponsored students.
In separate remarks, Dr. Gray expressed pride in the graduates’ achievements, commending their adaptability and resilience. He encouraged them to return with the spirit of excellence and help elevate instructional quality and academic standards at UL.
The graduates expressed heartfelt appreciation to both Dr. Taylor and Dr. Gray for attending the graduation ceremony in person, calling it a gesture of deep commitment. They also requested that their gratitude be conveyed to UL President Dr. Layli Maparyan, former Presidents Prof. Dr. Julius Julukon Sarwolo Nelson and Prof. Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, and other senior university administrators who supported them throughout their academic journeys.
“We are especially grateful to our Dean and Father, Dr. Josephus Gray, whose guidance and encouragement were instrumental throughout our studies in India. His belief in our potential kept us focused and determined,” they stated.
The graduation marked another chapter of international academic success for Liberia, reflecting a growing ambition among young professionals to position themselves for impactful service across education, governance, and development sectors.
