Warning: Undefined array key 1 in /home4/ireplibc/public_html/liberianewsnetwork/wp-content/plugins/featured-image-from-url/includes/jetpack.php on line 12
Warning: Undefined array key 1 in /home4/ireplibc/public_html/liberianewsnetwork/wp-content/plugins/featured-image-from-url/includes/jetpack.php on line 12
Warning: Undefined array key 1 in /home4/ireplibc/public_html/liberianewsnetwork/wp-content/plugins/featured-image-from-url/includes/jetpack.php on line 12
Warning: Undefined array key 1 in /home4/ireplibc/public_html/liberianewsnetwork/wp-content/plugins/featured-image-from-url/includes/jetpack.php on line 12
Warning: Undefined array key 1 in /home4/ireplibc/public_html/liberianewsnetwork/wp-content/plugins/featured-image-from-url/includes/jetpack.php on line 12
Warning: Undefined array key 1 in /home4/ireplibc/public_html/liberianewsnetwork/wp-content/plugins/featured-image-from-url/includes/jetpack.php on line 12
Warning: Undefined array key 1 in /home4/ireplibc/public_html/liberianewsnetwork/wp-content/plugins/featured-image-from-url/includes/jetpack.php on line 12
Warning: Undefined array key 1 in /home4/ireplibc/public_html/liberianewsnetwork/wp-content/plugins/featured-image-from-url/includes/jetpack.php on line 12
Warning: Undefined array key 1 in /home4/ireplibc/public_html/liberianewsnetwork/wp-content/plugins/featured-image-from-url/includes/jetpack.php on line 12
Warning: Undefined array key 1 in /home4/ireplibc/public_html/liberianewsnetwork/wp-content/plugins/featured-image-from-url/includes/jetpack.php on line 12
Warning: Undefined array key 1 in /home4/ireplibc/public_html/liberianewsnetwork/wp-content/plugins/featured-image-from-url/includes/jetpack.php on line 12
Dr. Momolu A. Massaquoi, President of the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary (LBTS), who has been reinstated into office for additional five – years, reflects on his impactful tenure and lays out a bold vision for the next five years. Under his leadership, LBTS has seen significant growth, from increased student enrollment to major infrastructure developments and academic advancements.
Massaquoi’s journey to the presidency was marked by years of dedicated service, beginning as Vice President of the seminary. His promotion to President was recognition of his leadership acumen and the tangible impact he made on students, faculty, and infrastructure development.
“Several things I did in terms of students, faculty, and infrastructural development prompted the board to appoint me as president. The board also saw that my leadership was productive enough to take the seminary to the next level,” Dr. Massaquoi stated.
During his tenure, student enrollment grew from 76 to 423, a remarkable feat in five years. With sights set on 1,000 students, Dr. Massaquoi is determined to continue this upward trajectory.
Looking ahead, Dr. Massaquoi has outlined a series of ambitious projects aimed at enhancing the seminary’s academic, infrastructural, and financial standing. His goals include:
Student Enrollment Growth: Increasing the student population from 423 to 1,000.
High School Construction: Establishing a high school to serve as a training ground for LBTS education students.
Ph.D. Program Introduction: Moving beyond graduate-level education to offer doctoral programs.
Campus-Wide Wi-Fi Expansion: Extending internet access throughout the campus, including the cafeteria, dormitories, library, and even the prayer garden.
Retreat Center and Rental Facility: Building a three- to four-story dormitory to accommodate retreat guests, ensuring non-interference with campus activities.
VIP Guesthouses: Constructing three additional high-end guesthouses to cater to dignitaries and VIP guests.
Entrepreneurial Projects: Launching a water production project to supply bottled water to the community and generate revenue.
Campus Road Paving: Upgrading the main road from the campus gate to the main compound.
Chapel Renovation: Revamping the campus chapel for a more conducive worship environment.
Extension Centers in All Counties: Expanding LBTS presence from seven to 15 counties, making theological education accessible nationwide.
Under Dr. Massaquoi’s leadership, LBTS has achieved several milestones, including the construction of a graduation hall, establishment of a smart classroom with internet-connected laptops, and development of a modern clinic with electric beds and state-of-the-art medical facilities.
“For years, we always had graduation ceremonies outside of LBTS, either at Providence Baptist Church or Effort Baptist Church. Today, we have a graduation hall of our own,” he shared.
He also spearheaded the creation of a prayer garden, which serves as a serene space for meditation and worship. Additionally, LBTS established Liberia’s only academic journal produced by an educational institution, giving voice to theological discourse and academic exploration.
Financial challenges have been a persistent hurdle for LBTS. However, Dr. Massaquoi’s strategy to generate income through entrepreneurial projects, such as egg and pig farming, has provided the seminary with much-needed financial stability. The planned water production initiative is expected to further boost revenue.
Massaquoi’s emphasis on academic excellence includes the development of local faculty to doctoral-level standards and the pursuit of full accreditation from the African Christian Theological Education Network (ACTEN).
“Currently, only two faculty members are in Ph.D. training. My goal is to have at least five more reach that level,” he stated.
Guided by faith and the support of the Board of Trustees, led by His Excellency, Deacon Ambassador Dee-Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Sr., Dr. Massaquoi remains optimistic about the seminary’s future. His philosophy of holistic development—academic, spiritual, and ministerial formation—continues to shape LBTS’s mission.
“We want to form our students in these three areas: academic, spiritual, and ministerial. If you are leaving LBTS, you should be formed in your head, heart, and hands,” he emphasized.
With a vision to transform LBTS into a beacon of theological education in West Africa, Dr. Massaquoi’s plans are bold, strategic, and deeply rooted in faith. His next five years promise even greater achievements for the seminary and its students.
