Using what he described as “The People of 4:30 in the Morning,” Jones painted the picture of hardworking Liberian parents who rise before sunrise each day to earn a living and finance their children’s education. He said every graduate carries a personal story of sacrifice, whether studying under candlelight, overcoming financial hardship, walking long distances to classes or enduring personal loss while pursuing higher education
GBARNGA — Deputy Minister of State for Administration and Deputy Chief of Staff to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., Bill McGill Jones, has challenged graduating students of Bong County University to transform their academic achievements into meaningful national service, urging them to become innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders committed to rebuilding Liberia.
By Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
Serving as the keynote motivational speaker during the university’s President’s Tea Party in Gbarnga Wednesday, Jones delivered an address centered on the theme, “Make Yourself and Liberia Proud,” encouraging graduates to reject excuses, embrace resilience and dedicate themselves to contributing to Liberia’s development.
Addressing university officials, government representatives, parents and graduates, Jones paid tribute to the sacrifices made by families whose determination made higher education possible for many of the students.
He asked the graduating class to recognize the unwavering support of their parents and guardians, saying every degree awarded represented years of sacrifice, perseverance and hope.
“Before you celebrate yourselves, celebrate those who sacrificed for you. Many of your parents woke before dawn, traveled long distances, sold in the markets, farmed the land, and denied themselves opportunities so that you could sit where you are today. Your degree does not belong to you alone—it carries the fingerprints of every person who believed in your future,” he said.
Using what he described as “The People of 4:30 in the Morning,” Jones painted the picture of hardworking Liberian parents who rise before sunrise each day to earn a living and finance their children’s education.
He said every graduate carries a personal story of sacrifice, whether studying under candlelight, overcoming financial hardship, walking long distances to classes or enduring personal loss while pursuing higher education.
According to him, those experiences should inspire graduates to remain determined as they enter the next phase of life. “Every one of you has a 4:30-in-the-morning story. Some of you studied when there was no electricity. Some walked miles to campus. Some attended lectures hungry. Others buried loved ones but returned to complete their education. Those struggles were not meant to break you; they were preparing you for the responsibilities that lie ahead,” he added.
Jones urged graduates to identify their talents and use them to advance Liberia’s development, stressing that education alone would not guarantee success without discipline, perseverance and continuous learning.
He encouraged graduates to pursue careers in agriculture, engineering, medicine, education, public service and entrepreneurship, noting that one of the graduates could someday become Liberia’s President.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that graduation should be viewed as the beginning of lifelong learning rather than the end of education.
He added: “Your diploma opens doors, but your commitment will determine how far you go. Nobody graduates from effort into success. Success belongs to those who continue learning, continue preparing and continue showing up every single day. The future of Liberia may very well be sitting in this graduating class.”
Jones also urged the graduates not to allow poverty, unemployment or the absence of influential connections to discourage them from pursuing their dreams.
Reflecting on Bong County’s transformation from one of Liberia’s conflict-affected regions into a center of higher learning, he said the county’s own history demonstrates that difficult circumstances can be overcome through determination and vision.
He further highlighted the legacy of Madam Suakoko as evidence that courage and leadership—not privilege—shape history.
Drawing from his personal career journey, Jones told graduates that preparation had been the defining factor behind every opportunity he received.
He recounted serving in several public institutions, including the Civil Service Agency and the Ministry of Gender, before working in the United States in financial wellness and entrepreneurship.
He said returning to Liberia to serve under President Joseph Boakai’s administration reflected his belief that national service remains a noble responsibility.
He said: “I did not arrive where I am today by accident or luck. Every assignment, every late night, every challenge and every lesson became part of my preparation. Opportunity may take its time, but it never ignores those who prepare themselves. While you wait for your opportunity, keep building yourself because when your country calls, you must be ready to answer.”
Jones further challenged graduates to think beyond seeking government employment, acknowledging that the public sector cannot absorb every university graduate entering the labor market each year.
Instead, he encouraged them to become entrepreneurs capable of creating employment opportunities for others by investing in agriculture, technology, transportation, education, healthcare, media and other productive sectors.
He noted that small businesses have the potential to transform communities and stimulate economic growth if managed with integrity and persistence.
Speaking on Liberia’s development agenda, Jones said the country’s future depends on educated, ethical and committed young professionals capable of supporting national priorities in agriculture, roads, education, healthcare, sanitation, tourism and the rule of law.
He said government policies alone cannot transform Liberia without qualified citizens willing to serve with honesty and professionalism.
The Deputy Minister also reminded graduates that failure should never be viewed as the end of their ambitions but rather as an opportunity for growth.
Pointing to Liberia’s resilience through years of civil conflict, the Ebola epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic, he said perseverance remains one of the nation’s defining characteristics.
He said: “Failure is not your enemy—it is your teacher. You will experience rejection, disappointment and setbacks, but none of those experiences define your future unless you allow them to. Liberia herself has overcome war, disease and hardship. If our nation can rise again, then every graduate in this room can rise after every setback.”
Jones urged graduates to protect their integrity, remain faithful to their values, continue learning and dedicate themselves to serving their communities and country.
He challenged the graduating class to build lives that future generations would admire, encouraging them to leave Bong County University determined to make themselves, their families and Liberia proud.
