The 16th Opening Convocation at William V. S. Tubman University in Harper, Maryland County, served as a powerful platform for leaders to inspire students and set the tone for accountability in the new academic year. On August 26, 2025, the event featured a keynote address by Liberia Maritime Authority Commissioner, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., and a message from the university’s president, Dr. Olu Q. Menjay.
Speaking to students, faculty, and university officials, Cllr. Lighe challenged the audience to view education as a tool for national transformation rather than simply a means to a degree. He emphasized that Liberia needs professionals dedicated to solving problems in critical areas like infrastructure, engineering, and innovation.
Drawing on his own journey during Liberia’s civil conflict, he encouraged students to overcome self-doubt, stay focused, and face challenges with courage. He also announced significant investments from the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), including:
- Two fully funded scholarships for Master’s degrees in Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering in India.
- Additional scholarships for postgraduate studies at the Regional Maritime University in Ghana.
- Educational sponsorships for 100 students at Tubman University over the next three years.
Cllr. Lighe praised Tubman University’s evolution from a technical college to a comprehensive institution, calling it a “beacon of hope and opportunity” for southeastern Liberia.
Following Cllr. Lighe’s inspiring words, Dr. Menjay delivered a stern message to the university community. He balanced encouragement with a firm warning against wrongdoing and campus misconduct. In a striking statement, he declared, “If you do good, I will praise you. But if you mess up with the system, I will cut you like a palm tree.”
Dr. Menjay also addressed specific issues to ensure institutional integrity:
- He warned against political maneuvering on campus, stating there were “no political party on this campus.”
- He announced strong actions against staff involved in financial impropriety, revealing that some would be sacked for misusing student school fees.
- He instructed students to make all payments directly at the bank to ensure transparency and accountability, and declared a halt to salary deductions due to system abuse.
Despite acknowledging the university’s limited resources, Dr. Menjay affirmed his commitment to continuous improvement and advocacy. He concluded by reiterating his vision for Tubman University to become Liberia’s leading academic institution, founded on excellence, prestige, and entrepreneurial advancement. The new academic year, he stated, would be marked by a renewed purpose, with a focus on integrity and accountability.
