A Call To Rally Support for the University of Liberia

The University of Liberia came into existence formerly as Liberia College in the 1800s.

When the forefathers thought on the formation of a University during that period, the Socio-economic and scientific condition of Liberia were backward as compare to today. Being cognizant of the power and the need for education, the founding fathers took the challenge in the midst of extreme illiteracy amongst the population and initiated the formation of the University. Kudos!!!

Since the formation of the University, it has been faced with many challenges which includes poor infrastructures, financial difficulties, adequate personnel etc. In the midst of these challenges, the University had shown perseverance and determination to uphold the mandate upon which it was established. The doors of the University had been opened even though it had experienced intermittent closure due to political disruption and other factors.

What is more courageous is that the University had developed different academic and professional schools and programs that continue to support the labor market in Liberia. Prominent amongst these schools are the LOUISE ARTHUR GRIMES SCHOOL OF LAW and the A.M. DOGLITI COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES. To state the fact, the formation of those schools came into existence in the midst of socio-economic and infrastructure challenges but the fortitude and courage expressed by our founding fathers had brought us thus far. Today, our generation can boast of prominent sons and daughters who walked out of these institutions and making positive contributions to our society and the world at large. Our generation must now embraced what our forefathers left with us and ensure that we can collectively develop innovations that will catapult the University to what we all want it to be. How many of us thinking about helping the university? What is our contribution to the improvement of the university? These are questions we must sincerely ask ourselves.

Today, the University Administration under the leadership of Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, the Board of Trustees and the Visitor to the University, H.E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr officially launched two doctorate programs. This move had brought mixed reactions amongst people. Whatever the issues are, I like to encourage all of us to roll our sleeves and join hands in supporting the University. If we do not start, we cannot achieve. If we can’t start now, then when? We have to take the bull by the horns and confront whatever challenges we are faced with. Each of us need to rally ourselves individually or collectively like our forefathers to mobilize support for the University. When we sit in our comforts without making any contribution towards the university but only elect to criticize, we lost the moral essence to do so. We must embraced our history and correct the wrongs!!!

I hope this will claim our collective attention as we envisage a better University of Liberia

Lux en Tenebris we shall ever remain

Martin Wleh Pennie-President AAUL/Secretary UL Board of Trustees