By Mark N. Mengonfia
Monrovia-President Joseph N. Boakai has expressed anger over the proliferation of substandard universities in Liberia, urging the Ministry of Education and the National Commission on Higher Education to address the issue head-on.
According to the President, it is unjust to have universities that are not up to standards in the 21st century, adding that it undermines the development of the country, and that “The children of this country deserve the best.”
With the Minister of Education and other educational stakeholders seated on a platform at the Margibi University 3rd Commencement Convocation, the Liberian leader said, “We must remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering quality education that equips our students to lead with excellence.”
He said, “Technical training and career mentoring are vital motivators for success in the lives of young people. Therefore, Margibi University should continue to engage qualified faculty, trainers, and mentors.”
Although the President didn’t mention specific universities while addressing himself to the universities floodgate in Liberia, the country has seen unprecedented emerging of universities across Monrovia.
Besides notable universities such as the University of Liberia (UL), United Methodist University, African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU), Adventist University of West Africa (AUWA), Cuttington University (CU), Tubman Institution, Starz University (SU), Representative Thomas Fallah University now known as APEX University of Liberia (AUL), among others, there are too many public service announcements about all kinds of universities.
President Boakai said, “The accreditation of educational institutions as universities should be a thorough process, grounded in clear, well-defined criteria.”
The Liberian leader said, “This includes an upgraded library, the integration of modern information and communication technologies, and the development of teaching resources that will provide the best learning experience for students.”
