By Taisiah Merfee
IPNEWS: The University of Liberia on Monday, September 16, 2024, commenced the conferral of degrees at its 104th Commencement Convocation, with a call for Liberians to pursue education with a very strong desire to contribute to their nation’s corporate development.
The week-long graduation exercises for the University of Liberia (UL) 104th Commencement Convocation started Monday on the UL Fendall campus in Louisiana, Montserrado County.
In a combined ceremony for three colleges on Monday, the Amos C. Sawyer College of Social Sciences and Humanities, William V.S. Tubman College of Education, and the College Gender Studies and Interdisciplinary Research – put out 330 graduates, the first batch for the UL 104th Graduation Exercises.
The UL 104th Commencement Convocation continues in Fendall on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, with candidates expected from Agriculture & Forestry; Science College; Engineering College; and the David A. Straz-Sinje College of Technical and Vocational Education at 11:00 AM.
The William V. S. Tubman College of Education had 149 graduates, the Amos C. Sawyer College of Social Sciences and Humanities had 177 graduates, and the College of Gender and Interdisciplinary Research had four graduates.
Families, friends, well-wishers of the graduates, the University of Liberia authorities, guests from home and abroad, students, faculty, and staff of the university joyfully graced the colorful event to celebrate the achievement of the graduates and the progress of the institution.
Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, served as the Keynote Speaker at Monday’s graduation ceremony.
He told the graduating class and Liberians in general that Africa has been facing a lot of turbulence in terms of security and corporate existence.
Reminding Liberians of what they passed through during their conflict, Dr. Audi remarked that Liberians are now busy leveraging their education to produce graduates of critical thinking so that they will know that it is not good to experience another civil war.
“Because this civil war has actually deteriorated and undeveloped your country,” said Dr. Audi.
“And so at this level, your thoughts … for education, and your quest for education must be very strong so that you will learn and then know that by the time you go out, you are supposed to contribute your quota in the corporate development of your country,” Dr. Audi noted.
Referencing a statement by the late South African President Nelson Mandela, Dr. Audi said the most viable tool that can be used to develop any nation is education.
Talking about the role of universities in promoting peace, Dr. Audi said they have traditionally played a significant role in promoting peace through various channels, including education, research, and community engagement.
“These institutions are uniquely positioned to cultivate a culture of peace by fostering critical thinking, encouraging dialogue, and providing the intellectual tools necessary to address complex social and political challenges,” he noted.
He detailed that one of the primary ways universities contribute to peace is through education.
By offering courses in peace studies, conflict resolution, gender and security studies, and related fields, Dr. Audi said they equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and address the root causes of conflict.
In remarks, UL Acting President Prof. Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh encouraged the graduates to represent their alma mater to the fullest and to the best of their ability.
Addressing the graduates, Dr. Conteh challenged them to go out and shine, make a difference, demonstrate professionalism and productivity, and brighten the light.
“Congratulations on your hard work over the past years. I know the road has been rough, and the journey has been challenging, but through the unique Grace and Mercy of the Almighty God, you have made it through,” said Dr. Conteh.
“All 330 of you have been groomed and nurtured over the years and have turned out today, making us proud,” he added.
He thanked the Keynote Speaker Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, and the other two distinguished Nigerians for taking time from their busy schedules to travel all the way from Abuja, Nigeria, to join the graduates.
“I thank you heartily and would like you to know that we value your partnership and look forward to working with you to advance our curriculum in gender studies, international security, and research,” said Dr. Conteh.
Earlier in a message, Associate Professor Dr. Josephus Gray, Dean of the Amos C. Sawyer College of Social Sciences and Humanities, admonished the graduates that they are in a strong position to be of service to their parents, family, community, institution, and the entire country.
He, however, reminded them that they will always encounter competition from others in the market.
“I urge you to serve as true ambassadors, listen more and talk less. Remember that the best way to learn and grow is to take the risk of being wrong,” he noted.
The Valedictorian, Mr. Amadou L. Sayon, noted that the University of Liberia has a proud legacy of producing great men and women who have not only excelled on the world stage but have also upheld the values of academic excellence, social responsibility, and leadership.
He noted that the UL has given them the tools they need to engage in critical thinking and lead with integrity.
