By: Ben T.C. Brooks |River Gee County Correspondent
Harper, Maryland County – Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025 – The 12th Convocation Ceremony of William V.S. Tubman University – TU, took on a distinctly Pan-African tone on Saturday, November 24, 2025 when Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg – UJ, South Africa and Commencement Speaker delivered an uplifting keynote address that urged graduates to become agents of change across the continent.
Speaking to an audience of dignitaries and the 265-member graduating class, Prof. Mpedi highlighted the historic bonds linking Liberia and South Africa.
He recalled Liberia’s influential role, particularly under the leadership of the late President William V.S. Tubman in supporting Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid movement, and the broader struggle for freedom and equality.
The shared legacy, he noted, stands as a testament to Africa’s capacity for unity, mutual support, and progress driven by courage and scholarship.
“Universities cannot reach their full potential without collaboration,” Prof. Mpedi declared.
He urged graduates to view their degrees not merely as credentials but as tools for innovation and leadership.
Africa’s advancement, he stressed, will depend on graduates who embrace research, creativity, ethical leadership, and robust partnerships across borders.
Calling for lifelong learning and cross-disciplinary cooperation, the UJ Vice-Chancellor challenged the class of 2025 to tackle Africa’s social and economic challenges with integrity and vision.
The continent’s future, he said, rests in the hands of educated citizens willing to lead change and strengthen Pan-African collaboration.
In a significant academic development, the William V.S. Tubman University has formalized a five-year Memorandum of Understanding -MoU with the University of Johannesburg – UJ of South Africa.
The signing ceremony was held during the Tubman University’s 12th commencement convocation, where Dr. Olu Q. Menjay, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tubman University, represented his institution in the signing ceremony, while Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg, signed on behalf of UJ.
Both Dr. Menjay and Professor Mpedi emphasized that the partnership is designed to promote a robust student and faculty exchange program over the next five years.
The collaboration is expected to foster academic enrichment, research cooperation, and cross-cultural learning opportunities for both institutions.
During the ceremony, Dr. Menjay formally welcomed the UJ delegation to Liberia, describing Professor Mpedi’s visit his first to Tubman University, as a major milestone in the university’s efforts to strengthen global academic ties.
He noted that the new partnership aligns with Tubman University’s commitment to expanding international cooperation and enhancing the quality of higher education offered to its students
He described the growing relationship between TU and UJ as a powerful demonstration of what international academic partnerships can achieve.
“Their visit strengthens our global connections and reaffirms Tubman University’s commitment to preparing our students and faculty for a globalized world,” Dr. Menjay said.
He expressed optimism about deepening cooperative efforts with UJ to enrich research, training, and innovation at TU.
However, during the University 12th commencement convocation, a major highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding – MoU between the William V.S Tubman University and the University of Johannesburg.
The agreement paves the way for joint research programs, faculty and student exchanges, professional development initiatives, and collaborative academic projects designed to spur innovation and institutional growth in both universities.
Convocation statistics released by University detailed the academic achievements of the 2025 graduating class to include 48 graduates from the College of Engineering, 15 from the College of Agriculture and 34 graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences. Other 14 graduates from the Elizabeth A. Russell College of Education, 78 from the College of Public Health including the Nursing programs and 75 graduates from the College of Public Administration, including Accounting, Banking and Finance, and Management respectively.
The ceremony concluded on a hopeful note, with university officials expressing confidence that the new TU–UJ partnership will broaden opportunities for Liberian scholars, strengthen Tubman University’s academic standing, and reinforce the spirit of Pan-African cooperation.
The event brought together high-profile guests from South Africa and the United States, members of the Liberian House of Representatives, county officials, educators, parents, guardians, media professionals, and well-wishers from across Southeastern Liberia.
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