…Pres. Boakai Charges Margibi University
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson I
President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has changed the administration of Margibi University to live up to the expectations of the public by enhancing performance and output. The Liberian leader requested the University to buckle up and set the bar higher and not become complacent by the elevation in the status of the University.
“While we congratulate you for the elevation to university status, we need not remind you that this comes with an expectation of performance and output. You are expected to buckle up and set the bar higher for the goals you pursue. Be careful not to become complacent by the elevation and rest on your laurels.”
Delivering the convocation address on Saturday, February 22, 2025 – at the 2025 Graduation Ceremony of the Margibi University, Harbel City, Margibi County, President Boakai averted that Liberia faced numerous challenges to compete with the rest of the world, Therefore, educational institutions like Margibi University have the power to reshape the future by nurturing the minds and talents of the future leaders who will guide Liberia into a new era of growth and prosperity.
The President and Chief Administrator of the Liberian Government further charged the Government to continue to invest in and strengthen Margibi University and all higher learning institutions across the country, to ensure they maintain and surpass the highest educational standards.
However, he wants the Government through the Ministry of Education to be cautious about the proliferation of institutions claiming university status. The President warned that accreditation of educational institutions as universities should be a thorough process, grounded in clear, well-defined criteria.
“We must continue to invest in and strengthen this institution, as we must do for all higher education institutions across the country, to ensure they maintain and surpass the highest educational standards. This is why we must be cautious about the proliferation of institutions claiming university status.
The accreditation of educational institutions as universities should be a thorough process, grounded in clear, well-defined criteria.”
The Liberian leader in strong tune warned the Ministry of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to address the challenges of mushrooming of substandard universities in Liberia, asserting that it undermines the development of the country.
He cautioned the Government to remain steadfast in its commitment to delivering quality education that equips students to lead with excellence.
Therefore, cautioned Margibi University to continue to engage qualified faculty, trainers, and mentors.
“The mushrooming of substandard universities in this country must be addressed head-on by the Ministry of Education and the National Commission on Higher Education because it is unjust and undermines the development of the country. The children of this country deserve the best.
We must remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering quality education that equips our students to lead with excellence.
Technical training and career mentoring are vital motivators for success in the lives of young people. Therefore, Margibi University should continue to engage qualified faculty, trainers, and mentors”
President Boakai continued by cautioning Margibi University to continue to enhance its infrastructure and capacity by integrating modern information and communication technologies that would bring about the development of teaching resources that will provide the best learning experience for students.
Asserting that as technology evolves, Universities must ensure that the education system is aligned with global standards and prepares students for future challenges.
Meanwhile, in keeping with the significance of financial support to quality education and the long-term sustainability of Margibi University, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai intimated that his Government will continue to seek the collaboration of local and international partners, including corporations such as Firestone and China Union, to ensure that Margibi University remains well-resourced for effective teaching and learning.
“Lastly, financial support is equally vital for the long-term sustainability of this institution.
As a government, we will continue to seek the collaboration of local and international partners, including corporations such as Firestone and China Union, to ensure that Margibi University remains well-resourced for effective teaching and learning. We will support you to continue contributing to Liberia’s educational and economic development.”
At the same time, President Boakai urged the third graduating class of Margibi University and the first to graduate since the institution’s elevation to university status, to set a high standard of excellence. He said that their graduation from the MU is more than a personal achievement; adding that it is a milestone in the ongoing development of Margibi University, and indeed, the education system of Liberia.
With this, the Liberian Leader employed that the knowledge and skills the graduates have acquired are expected to serve as a foundation for their contribution to the public good.
President Boakai further urged the graduates not to allow the challenges they face to define them but should be defined by how they respond to those challenges. He noted that everyone has the power to turn obstacles into opportunities through perseverance, a positive mindset, and a relentless pursuit of progress.
“The challenges you face in life should not define you. What defines you is how you respond to those challenges. You have the power to turn obstacles into opportunities. The key is perseverance, a positive mindset, and a relentless pursuit of progress.
Remember, challenges are not unique to any one person. Whether rich or poor, everyone faces them. It is how you confront those challenges, how you stay focused, and how you remain committed to your goals that will determine your success. Surround yourselves with mentors, seek guidance when needed, and always strive to be your best self.”
