As Liberia continues to navigate economic challenges and systemic educational shortcomings, a leading legal expert and educator has called for a national shift in priorities, urging students to embrace learning and schools to embrace accountability.
Speaking at the 25th anniversary of Wisdom Community School in Monrovia, Cllr. Bobby Livingstone delivered a compelling address emphasizing the role of education in shaping Liberia’s future.
The message from Cllr. Livingstone, a Lecturer of Mass Communications and former Chairman of the Mass Communications’ Department at the United Methodist University, was clear: academic discipline today determines leadership tomorrow.
“Readers are leaders,” he told the gathered students, teachers, and community members. “If you don’t learn today, you are not preparing to lead tomorrow.”
Liberia’s education sector has long been plagued by insufficient funding, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to quality resources, leaving many students ill-equipped for the demands of a competitive global economy. These issues, compounded by a history of political instability and economic struggles, have led to declining literacy rates and increasing concerns about the country’s human capital development.
Livingstone, who has been a strong advocate for education reform, called on both students and educational institutions to engage in self-assessment. He posed a critical question to schools and policymakers: “What have we done right? What must we correct?” He urged Liberia’s academic institutions to prioritize improvement efforts, focusing not only on increasing access to education but also on enhancing its quality.
His remarks also extended beyond the classroom, addressing the broader societal challenges facing young Liberians. He warned students about the dangers of drug abuse, violence, and social delinquency—problems that have become increasingly prevalent among Liberia’s youth population.
According to recent reports, substance abuse and gang-related activities have surged in urban centers, leading to concerns about the future prospects of the nation’s young generation. Furthermore, Livingstone took aim at corruption, an issue that has long hindered Liberia’s development. he stated, emphasizing that ethical leadership is fundamental to the country’s progress. His remarks echoed the frustrations of many Liberians who see corruption as a persistent barrier to economic growth and public service delivery.
The call for patriotism and civic responsibility was another key element of his speech.
He urged young people to take pride in their country and actively contribute to its advancement. His words resonated deeply in a nation still recovering from years of civil unrest and economic instability.
As Liberia grapples with its educational and economic challenges, Livingstone’s message serves as a timely reminder that national transformation begins in the classroom. His speech has sparked renewed discussions among educators, students, and policymakers about the urgent need for reforms in the education sector.
The government has acknowledged the difficulties in improving the nation’s educational framework, citing financial constraints and infrastructural deficits.
However, recent initiatives have aimed at addressing these gaps, including increased budget allocations for public schools and partnerships with international organizations to enhance educational resources.
Whether these efforts will yield significant improvements remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: voices like Livingstone’s continuing to push for change, advocating for a Liberia where education is not only accessible but also serves as a cornerstone of national development.
