Monrovia, July 16, 2026 | The University of Liberia President Layli Maparyan welcomed a representative from the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) this week for discussions on expanding French language education in Liberia and strengthening academic collaboration.
Thi Hoang Mai Tran, the West Africa Representative for OIF, an organization that promotes the French language and cooperation among French-speaking countries, met with Dr. Maparyan Thursday, July 16, 2026, on Capitol Hill.
The President told the OIF Representative that French Studies have been an integral part of the University since the 1970s, adding that the university remains the only university in Liberia offering a bachelor’s degree in the language.
At the same time, Dr. Maparyan stressed the need for advanced degree programs, including Master, PhD for faculty, and to establish student exchange programs.
She said: “Training is our primary goal for the promotion of the French language.”
OIF Representative Tran said her visit to Liberia is aimed at assessing the status and promotion of the French language. She said the OIF is seeking collaboration with educational institutions in West Africa, especially with Liberia.
“We would like to work with your university,” she said.
Madam Tran expressed an intent to establish a hub for the promotion of the French Language at the state university due to the university’s significant historic impact made to advance the language.
“We are hoping that Liberia would partner with us,” Tran said, underscoring the need for Liberia’s membership in the OIF.
She assured that the OIF is committed to providing advanced training opportunities to member countries.
The meeting was attended by a delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, faculty, and students of the Department of French Studies.