Monrovia – House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon has called for a fundamental shift in Liberia’s attitude toward technical and vocational education, declaring that the country’s future depends as much on skilled tradespeople as it does on university graduates.
Delivering the keynote address at the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) graduation ceremony at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, Koon challenged the long-standing notion that technical and vocational education is a fallback for those unable to pursue university degrees.
More than 359 students graduated during the ceremony, including 350 graduates from various technical and vocational disciplines and nine graduates who earned degrees in Computer Science and Engineering.
“Sometimes people perceive vocational training as something you pursue only when you are unable to obtain a university degree. That should not be the case,” Koon said. “Many people with university degrees return to vocational schools to acquire practical skills that can transform their lives.”
He stressed that Liberia’s development requires a workforce equipped with practical skills capable of supporting industrialization, entrepreneurship and economic growth.
“A nation cannot be built by laws alone. A nation cannot even be built by politicians alone. If all of us become politicians, who will fix the plumbing? Who will repair the vehicles? Who will install electricity? Who will build the roads?” he asked.
According to Koon, electricians, mechanics, plumbers, builders, technicians and agriculturists are central to Liberia’s economic transformation and should receive the recognition they deserve.
Describing technical and vocational education as a powerful tool for economic empowerment, Koon said it transforms young people from job seekers into job creators while strengthening entrepreneurship, reducing unemployment and supporting national development.
Addressing the graduates, he encouraged them to continuously improve their skills while building careers rooted in honesty, professionalism and integrity.
“Your reputation will travel farther than your achievements. If you do quality work and remain honest, people will recommend you even when you are not present,” he said. “Never underestimate your integrity. Never underestimate your honesty.”
The Speaker also reminded graduates that dignity comes from honest work rather than titles or appearance.
“You don’t have to wear a necktie to be respected. If you are using your skills to earn an honest living, you deserve respect in society,” he said.
Reaffirming the Legislature’s commitment to technical and vocational education, Koon pledged support for policies that will expand access to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across Liberia.
“The future of our country depends on expanding access to technical and vocational education and ensuring that it responds to the needs of our economy. TVET must become a national priority not because it is an alternative to formal education, but because it is an essential pillar of national development,” he said.
He congratulated the graduates and urged them to use their knowledge and practical skills to create opportunities for themselves, contribute to national development, and become ambassadors of integrity in their respective professions.
