President Boakai Visits CAN University in Lofa

By: Eric Willise Wowoh (Educator) and Peter Kollie | Lofa Correspondent

FISSIBU TOWN, ZORZOR DISTRICT, LOFA COUNTY —| January 5, 2026 | President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, while traveling to Foya for the Christmas season, made an unplanned but highly symbolic stop at Change Agent Network University (CAN-U) in Fissibu Town, underscoring his administration’s support for education, rural development, and private participation in nation-building.

The President spent more than 30 minutes engaging with the university’s leadership, headed by Dr. Eric Forkpah, including Eric Willise Wowoh, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Change Agent Network, and members of the university administration, students, and leaders of the grade school called CAN Leadership Academy Lofa, as well as the 842 Computer Training Center. Discussions focused on the institution’s progress, enrollment growth, staffing, infrastructure development, and long-term academic vision.

“I want to thank Mr. Eric for understanding the vision of such a massive project here in Lofa County, which is also my home county,” President Boakai said; emphasizing the importance of decentralizing higher education and expanding access for students outside Monrovia.

During the visit, the President asked detailed questions about student enrollment, feeder high schools, on-campus water and energy systems, and the broader footprint of Change Agent Network’s educational initiatives across Liberia. He noted that the establishment of CAN-U helps reduce pressure on existing universities while bringing higher learning closer to students from Lofa, Bong, Nimba, and neighboring counties.

Faith, Vision, and Purpose

When asked how such extensive educational development has been achieved, Mr. Wowoh responded simply:

“It’s just God.”

That response reflects the values-driven foundation of Change Agent Network, whose mission is to break the cycle of poverty through education, faith, and economic freedom. The organization’s work is guided by the belief expressed in Scripture:

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” — Psalm 127:1

From primary schools to universities, CAN’s approach integrates academic excellence with ethical leadership, service, and community responsibility, aiming to prepare a new generation of Liberians for purposeful national service.

Built by Liberians, Sustained by Global Partnership

Licensed by the National Commission on Higher Education in January 2022, CAN-U offers associate-level programs in Education, Agriculture, Business Management, Theology, and the Sciences. The university is currently operating under licensure while completing nationally required monitoring and evaluation processes toward full accreditation, in line with established regulatory timelines.

While the vision, leadership, and daily operations of CAN-U are firmly Liberian, the university was built largely through funding, materials, supplies, and resources from partners and supporters abroad—predominantly from the United States. These international partners, many motivated by a shared belief in education as the foundation of national development, worked alongside local communities to transform a rural vision into a functioning institution of higher learning.

Community members donated land, contributed labor, and offered time and skills. As a result, CAN-U stands as a rare example of a higher education institution that is community-rooted, diaspora-supported, and nationally impactful.

The location of the university carries deep personal significance. Fissibu Town is the birthplace and hometown of Mr. Wowoh, making the establishment of CAN-U not only a national contribution, but also a deeply personal act of giving back. What was once the soil of his childhood is now a place where future leaders of Liberia are being educated and prepared for service.

Government Support and National Collaboration

During the visit, President Boakai pledged tangible government support to CAN-U, including solar energy infrastructure, books and learning materials, contributions toward the ongoing construction of the university’s administrative building, and the development of a clean and safe pipe-borne water system on campus.

The commitments signal a growing willingness by the government to collaborate with mission-oriented, diaspora-led initiatives that contribute meaningfully to national development, particularly in underserved rural regions.

From Refugee to Nation Builder

Mr. Wowoh’s journey—from years spent in refugee camps across West Africa to leading one of Liberia’s most extensive education networks—reflects a story of resilience, service, and national commitment.

Through Change Agent Network and its implementing partners, thousands of children receive education annually, hundreds of Liberians are employed, and communities long left behind are gaining access to opportunity.

Looking Ahead

As Change Agent Network University continues to expand enrollment, strengthen academic programs, and enhance its facilities, it is emerging as a beacon of hope for northern Liberia and a model of collaboration between communities, diaspora partners, civil society, and government.

President Boakai’s visit underscored a growing national consensus that Liberia’s future will be secured not only by policy, but by education rooted in purpose, partnership, and people.