Executive Mansion, Monrovia – His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia and Visitor of the University of Liberia, delivered a keynote address yesterday during the Investiture Program of the University’s 16th President, Professor Layli Maparyan.
The event also marked the conferral of an honorary Doctor of Laws degree upon President Boakai in recognition of his contributions to Liberia’s development and education.
In his remarks, President Boakai reaffirmed the centrality of the University of Liberia (UL) to the nation’s growth and global standing. He underscored his Administration’s unwavering commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the institution, stating, “Our future leaders deserve the best learning environment as they prepare to compete globally.”
Highlighting the University’s historical significance and its contributions to Liberia’s progress, President Boakai celebrated its enduring legacy as a hub for academic excellence, national pride, and international collaboration.
He emphasized the rigorous and transparent process that led to the appointment of Dr. Layli Maparyan as the new President, calling it a milestone in the Institution’s history. “The appointment of Dr. Maparyan represents a pivotal moment for identifying opportunities for growth, innovation, and progress at the University,” President Boakai noted.
President Boakai went on to announce significant government initiatives to enhance the University’s infrastructure and address pressing challenges. He enumerated the following area as urgent focus areas:
• Immediate renovations across the University’s four campuses, based on a report submitted by the Ministry of Public Works.
• Payment of outstanding faculty arrears, with instructions given to the Minister of Finance for swift action.
• Delivery of two new buses for the University’s Stratz-Sinje Campus in Grand Cape Mount County.
The President called for collective action among stakeholders, including faculty, students, alumni, and international partners, to restore the University to its position as a leading institution of higher learning in Africa. He urged all faculty and staff to resume duties on Monday, January 13, 2025, signaling the start of a new academic year.
President Boakai concluded his statement with a rallying call, “Let all of us go forth heralding the dawn of a new day for our beloved National University, as we work together to ensure its success as we Think Liberia, Love Liberia, and Build Liberia.”
The University of Liberia, established in the mid-19th century, continues to serve as a cornerstone of Liberia’s educational and manpower developmental landscape, producing leaders who contribute significantly to national and international progress.
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