Liberian students pursuing higher education in the Greater Noida area of India, particularly at Sharda University, on Friday, July 24, 2026, welcomed Senator Numene T.H. Bartekwa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Liberia (UL) and Chairman of the Liberian Senate Committee on Investment and Concessions.
Senator Bartekwa arrived at the Stellar Gymkhana Resort, a four-star hotel located along the Greater Noida Expressway, approximately 30 minutes from India’s capital, New Delhi, where he was received by Liberian students and representatives of Sharda University.
The brief welcome ceremony brought together members of the Liberian student community, including Miss Arthurlyne S.K. Johnson, President of the Liberian Students Association and a Law student at Sharda University; Simon Kumeh, Vice President and Health Sciences student; Prince Omasco B. Gbalea, Co-Chair of Media and Public Relations and Psychology student; and Miss Wilnet Z.S. Gaye, Chair of the Grievance Committee and a Master’s student in Water Resources Management and Environmental Science.
Also attending the ceremony was Associate Professor Dr. Josephus M. Gray, Dean at the University of Liberia and Sharda University Ambassador to the Republic of Liberia, representing both institutions.
Addressing the students, Senator Bartekwa thanked them for the warm reception and encouraged them to remain focused on their academic pursuits. He reminded them that they serve as ambassadors of Liberia and urged them to maximize the educational and cultural opportunities available to them while studying in India.
In addition to serving as Chairman of the University of Liberia’s Board of Trustees, Senator Bartekwa is also a pro bono adjunct instructor at the Amos C. Sawyer College of Social Sciences and Humanities, where he teaches Political Science and Social Science courses.
As part of his official visit, Sharda University will formally host Senator Bartekwa on Monday, July 27, 2026. The university has scheduled a roundtable discussion and a special ceremony in recognition of his visit.
Senator Bartekwa’s week-long visit to India is being undertaken as an official guest of Sharda University. During the visit, he is expected to meet with the university’s leadership, including the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, President of the International Relations Division, deans, directors, managers, and officials of Sharda Healthcare.
His itinerary also includes guided tours of several of the university’s flagship facilities, including the multi-million-dollar Sharda Hospital, the Sharda Launchpad, the Sharda Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Imaging and Forensics, the CIF and DST-FIST laboratories, the Centre of Excellence for Solar Cell and Renewable Energy, the Research Development Centre (RDC), the university’s central library, online learning center, auditorium, sports facilities, and gymnasium.
On Monday, Senator Bartekwa will also serve as keynote speaker during Liberia’s National Independence Day celebration organized by Liberian students in Greater Noida. The celebration will feature a parade across the Sharda University campus, followed by an indoor program and outdoor activities.
Senator Bartekwa is among several Liberian government officials, academics, and higher education leaders invited by Sharda University as part of its growing partnership with Liberia. Other invitees include Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung, former University of Liberia President Prof. Dr. Julius S. Nelson Jr., University of Liberia vice presidents, deans, Deputy Minister for Instruction Amos Fully, Associate Professor Dr. Josephus M. Gray, Assistant Professor Dr. Cecelia Cassell, Executive Director of the National Commission on Higher Education, and Prof. Dr. Agnes Reeves-Taylor, Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Liberia, among others.
The growing relationship between the University of Liberia and Sharda University dates back to 2022, when the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen academic cooperation. The agreement promotes collaboration in faculty development, technological advancement, joint research, publications, academic exchanges, transfer of academic credits, quality assurance, faculty sabbaticals, and visiting professorships.
The partnership also seeks to encourage joint investment initiatives in the private sector while enhancing the global profile of both universities through expanded academic collaboration.
As part of the next phase of the partnership, Sharda University has finalized plans to establish a Joint Center of Excellence (CoE) in Social Sciences Research with the University of Liberia. The initiative will focus on innovation-driven and multidisciplinary research while creating new opportunities for faculty members, educational leaders, researchers, and students.
The proposed framework for the Center of Excellence will be submitted to University of Liberia President Prof. Dr. Layli Maparyan for consideration and official launch. A temporary facility has already been designated within the Amos C. Sawyer College of Social Sciences and Humanities at the University’s Fendall Campus.
Once established, the Center of Excellence will support research, professional training, industry collaboration, and interdisciplinary innovation. It is expected to help bridge the gap between academic programs and workforce demands while positioning the University of Liberia as a leading hub for research, skills development, and collaborative scholarship.
