President Joseph Nyuma Boakai underscored the importance of youth to national development during the 4th Commencement Ceremony of Bong County Technical College. He emphasized the critical role of skills in economic growth and highlighted the significance of hard work in achieving dreams.
“No nation can rise without its youth. No economy can thrive without skills. And no dream can be fulfilled without hard work,” the President told the hundreds of graduates and others in the audience at the ceremony held in Gbarnga, Bong County over the weekend.
The ceremony, which brought together various stakeholders, including government officials, traditional leaders, development partners, and family members, marked a significant step towards enhancing education in Liberia and advancing the government’s rural empowerment goals. It also marked a key milestone in the government’s efforts to strengthen equitable, accessible, and quality education across Liberia.
President Boakai called for a focus on technical education and innovation to keep pace with global advancements, emphasizing that technical education and innovation are critical to Liberia’s development, underscoring the strategic role institutions like BCTC play in advancing the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
“From artificial intelligence to renewable energy and precision agriculture, the pace of global progress is fast, and we cannot afford to be left behind. Technical knowledge is not a luxury, it is a necessity,” he noted.
He advocated for decentralized education to provide equal opportunities to youth across Liberia, using BCTC as a model for excellence in rural education.
“Let Bong County Technical College be a model of how rural Liberia can lead, not lag behind. No child should be denied opportunity simply because of where they were born,” he said.
“Liberia needs you. Your country is calling on you to serve not just with your qualifications, but with your character. Be bold. Be visionary. Use your skills to build Liberia,” he urged.
Reflecting on the college’s progress since its establishment in 2010, President Boakai acknowledged its journey through accreditation hurdles, student unrest, and infrastructure challenges. He commended President Dr. Alfredson W. Taikerweyah, Sr., and his administration for transforming BCTC into a growing institution with a bold vision to attain full university status.
Today is a day of triumph, a moment of fulfillment, and a new beginning for the graduates seated before us,” President Boakai said. “Our nation needs trained youth for development and progress. I salute you all for your hard work. You have made us proud.”
In his concluding remarks, he reminded the graduates that their education is not only a personal achievement but also a national responsibility.
