By Edwin N. Khakie
President Joseph Nyumah Boakai delivered an inspiring keynote address at the 4th Commencement Convocation of the Bong County Technical College (BCTC) on Saturday, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to education, youth empowerment, and equitable national development.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Bong County Administration Building, honored 123 graduates with degrees in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Agriculture, Education, Nursing, and Information Technology. President Boakai described them as “vital to Liberia’s transformation.”
The President’s address marked his first official visit to Bong County since assuming office in 2024. It served as both a celebration of achievement and a call to action for national renewal through education.
President Boakai hailed the graduates for their determination and resilience, emphasizing their critical role in rebuilding a nation still recovering from years of underdevelopment and systemic challenges.
“You are graduating at a time when Liberia urgently needs thinkers, builders, and innovators,” Boakai said. “It is not only lawmakers and ministers who must build this country. It is you, the engineers, health workers, and educators, who must take ownership of Liberia’s transformation.”
He acknowledged the arduous journey BCTC has faced since its establishment in 2010, citing leadership instability, student protests, infrastructure deficits, accreditation hurdles, and funding shortages. Yet, he praised the institution’s resilience and recent progress under the leadership of President Dr. Alfredson W. Taikerweyah.
President Boakai lauded BCTC’s strides in securing national accreditation, expanding academic programs, and envisioning its future as a full-fledged university.
“Thanks to the steady leadership of Dr. Taikerweyah and his team, we are witnessing transformation. The dream of turning BCTC into a university is no longer distant; it is becoming a reality,” he said.
He stressed the centrality of STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to Liberia’s economic future and the success of his government’s ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism.
“Technical knowledge is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity,” Boakai asserted. “Whether it’s building climate-smart infrastructure or digitizing public services, the skills you gain here are what will move Liberia forward.”
The President also used the occasion to highlight his administration’s agenda to decentralize development and extend quality education opportunities to rural communities.
“Far too often, rural citizens have been left behind. This is not just an education issue, it’s a matter of fairness and national unity,” he said. “Let Bong County Technical College be a model of how rural Liberia can lead, not lag.”
In a passionate call to national service, Boakai urged graduates to lead with integrity, vision, and pride.
“As you step into the world, remember: your diploma is more than a certificate, it is the hope of your family, the pride of your community, and the expectation of a nation,” he said.
“Liberia needs you. Utilize your skills not only for personal success, but also for national transformation. Think Liberia. Love Liberia. Build Liberia.”
In his remarks, Dr. Alfredson W. Taikerweyah, President of BCTC, praised the graduates for enduring years of academic hardship amidst infrastructure and resource limitations.
“Today’s graduates have overcome long nights and significant challenges. Their triumph is a symbol of hope and resilience,” he said.
He appealed for increased government and donor support in laboratory development, student housing, and science infrastructure, asserting that BCTC can become a national hub for innovation with the right investment.
Senator Prince Kermue Moye, Chair of the Bong County Legislative Caucus, pledged the county’s continued support to the college and the President’s development agenda. He announced plans to renovate the historic Presidential Palace in Gbarnga, drawing applause from the audience.
“Mr. President, the next time you return to Bong, your Presidential Palace will be fully renovated and elegantly decorated,” Senator Moye said.
Other speakers, including county officials and education stakeholders, echoed the President’s message and challenged the graduates to apply their training to confront Liberia’s urgent needs, from food insecurity to inadequate healthcare.
Valedictorian Charles Karbedeh, a graduate of the Nursing Department, delivered a powerful speech on behalf of the graduating class.
“We may have come from humble beginnings, but today we stand tall. We are ready to build, heal, teach, and lead. Liberia is our responsibility,” he said, drawing a standing ovation.
The ceremony drew hundreds of residents, many of whom wore colorful traditional attire, who came to honor the graduates and welcome the President. The event was seen as a significant moment for both the institution and the broader Bong County community.
Officials from the Ministries of Education and Youth and Sports, along with development partners, commended BCTC’s growing role in national development and pledged ongoing support for its expansion and sustainability.
“This visit is not a formality, it is a statement of partnership,” President Boakai concluded. “We will walk this path together to ensure education, opportunity, and prosperity reach every young Liberian in every county.”
The President’s visit concluded with a guided tour of the college’s facilities and a symbolic tree-planting ceremony, which many viewed as a sign of hope, renewal, and long-term commitment to rural education.
In a significant development, President Boakai also dedicated a newly constructed and fully furnished Water Tower in the Far East Community of Gbarnga, a project expected to enhance access to clean water and support public health efforts in the area.
As the Class of 2025 embarks on a new chapter, the message from President Boakai was clear: Liberia is ready to rise, and it will rise on the shoulders of trained, patriotic, and purpose-driven youth.
