Future programs in Environmental Science, Business Administration, and Social Work are slated to launch, alongside a generous tuition discount initiative for new degree program enrollees in early 2025.
MONROVIA, Liberia – In a momentous ceremony that blended celebration with visionary insight, AIIST University College held its 15th Commencement Convocation on Monday. The event, attended by dignitaries, board members, faculty, staff, proud parents, and over 175 graduates and trainees, highlighted the transformative role of Information Technology in driving Liberia’s economic future.
By Jaheim Tumu, [email protected]
Deputy Head of the Executive Protection Service (EPS), Charles Jacob Johnson, delivered the keynote address under the theme “Information Technology as a Tool for Economic Empowerment.” Addressing a diverse audience that included 95 graduates from various IT and business disciplines and 80 personnel from the security and government sectors who recently completed tuition-free computer literacy training, Johnson stressed the pivotal role of digital skills in today’s global economy.
“Today, you are not just receiving a diploma; you are receiving the power to drive innovation and shape the economic destiny of our nation,” Johnson declared. He underscored that nations embracing IT as the backbone of their economies are experiencing accelerated growth, job creation, and increased global competitiveness. He further urged the graduates to use their newfound expertise in fields such as Business Management Systems, Management Information Systems, and Entrepreneurship to become digital pioneers—transforming challenges into opportunities in every sector from agriculture and healthcare to national security.
Johnson’s address was divided into three key areas: Entrepreneurship and Digital Business: He encouraged graduates to leverage IT skills to launch innovative ventures, develop digital solutions, and join the burgeoning e-commerce and fintech sectors—a movement already gaining momentum across Africa.
Enhancing Security and Public Sector Efficiency: For the 80 government and security personnel, Johnson emphasized that modern security and governance increasingly rely on robust IT systems for data management, cybersecurity, and intelligence gathering, marking their training as a critical asset for national progress.
AIIST’s Role in Digital Empowerment: He lauded AIIST University College for its forward-thinking initiatives, including the tuition-free computer literacy programs that have not only enhanced the skills of public servants but also saved the government significant training costs.
In addition to Johnson’s stirring remarks, Acting President of AIIST University College, K. Ishmael V. Conneh, delivered a special statement highlighting the institution’s milestones and future aspirations. Conneh paid tribute to the relentless efforts of faculty and staff and expressed gratitude to the parents and guardians whose support has been indispensable in shaping the graduates’ journeys.
“Today is not just a ceremony—it is a testament to hard work, sacrifice, and the promise of a brighter future for Liberia,” Conneh remarked. He outlined AIIST’s notable achievements over the past years, including a 150% increase in enrollment for degree programs, the successful completion of new academic semesters in Information Technology, Electrical Technology, and Islamic Education, and a remarkable impact in the sports arena with championship wins in soccer and strong performances in basketball.
Conneh also announced strategic plans to further expand academic offerings. Future programs in Environmental Science, Business Administration, and Social Work are slated to launch, alongside a generous tuition discount initiative for new degree program enrollees in early 2025. He reiterated the institution’s commitment to lifelong learning and urged graduates to take advantage of opportunities to upgrade their skills, positioning themselves as the next generation of change-makers in Liberia.
Both speakers echoed a shared message: that the future of Liberia hinges on a digitally literate, innovative, and resilient workforce. Graduates were left with a call to action—to continue learning, innovate boldly, and uplift their communities as they step forward into a world increasingly defined by technology.
Conneh is one of AIIST’s proudest achievements is the tuition-free basic computer literacy training which has benefitted 160 personnel from security institutions and government agencies, including the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), Liberia Immigration Service (LIS), Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS), Liberia Land Authority (LLA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Liberia National Police (LNP), Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), and the Executive Protection Service (EPS). This initiative has saved the national government at least $80,000 in training costs—funds that can now be allocated to other critical national priorities, he said.
He announced 112 students successfully completed their respective programs with breakdown are as follow: Office Productivity – 48 Graduates, Management Information System – 17 Graduates, Business Management System – 21 Graduates, Management Information System – 17, Entrepreneurship – 3, Computer Literacy – 2, Computer Operations – 2 and Advanced Database Management – 2
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Prof Sekou W. Konneh lauded AIIST for its creativity in reaching out to the security apparatus to form part of the program.
“As chairman of the Board of Trustees, I’ll work with you to continue and strengthen this partnership,” he said.
As the convocation drew to a close, the air was filled with optimism and determination. With the guidance and foundational support of AIIST University College, Liberia’s emerging professionals are poised to harness the power of information technology and drive economic empowerment well into the future.
