The National President of the Alumni Association of the University of Liberia in the Americas (ULAA), Mr. Melvin D. Howard is urging students of the Honors College of Research & Gender Studies of the University of Liberia to use the knowledge acquired at the University to change the face of mankind.

Speaking Thursday, December 5, at the fourth Honors College Research Symposium on the Fendell campus of the University, Mr. Howard called on honors students to use their studies to shape the lives of people around them. “I urge you to use your research to contribute meaningfully to society by providing ideas and solutions to technical as well as social problems,” he said.

According to him, the essence of research is to seek answer to challenging issues affecting society. “Please be cognizant of the fact that it is not only your educational achievement from these walls that makes you excellent; it is what you do with these achievements in helping to rebuild our beloved country and shape the lives of people.”

The College of Research & Gender Studies, formerly the Honors Scholars Program, was established September 6, 2019 to afford students the expertise in the areas of research and gender issues. For her part, the Dean of the Honors College of Research and Gender Studies, Mamawa Freeman-Moore said the objective of the college is to brighten the knowledge of students with regards to research and gender inclusiveness.

Dean Freeman-Moor, highlighting the significance of research in the development of the nation, noted that research is the way to go in the q u e s t f o r n a t i o n a l development. “The primary goal of this college is to promote research and improve the knowledge of our students,” she said.

“Research is the way forward in solving most of our country’s problems.” She said students in the college need to exhibit good moral behavior in their pursue of academic excellence, adding that good character is the prerequisite for enrollment at the college. “As honors students, your character matters. You can be the smartest students if you don’t have a good character, y o u w i l l n o t g o anywhere,” Dean Freeman Moore indicated.

Also speaking, former UL President Dr. Emmet A. Dennis, under whose leadership the Honors Scholars program was established, commended Dean Freeman-Moore for her tremendous effort in molding the minds of the students.

Dr. Dennis said the program was set up firstly to produce ‘top-notch’ students who can use their education to positively make an impact on the larger society.

Meanwhile, UN Women Country Representative, Ms. Marie Goreth Nizigama highlighted the importance of gender equality in post-war country Liberia. Ms. Nizigama stated that investing in the youth for the purpose of research in gender equality is necessary for the forward match of Liberia. The UN Women Liberia office boss also said that UL should continue to champion the cause of zero tolerance on sexual base violence.

“To achieve national excellence, it is very good for society to understand gender equality. So, if we invest in the younger generation to do research in gender equality; we will help to change society norms,” she added. Madam Nizigama further urged the students to focus their research on the promotion of gender equality as well as women employment at every levels of society.

Speaking earlier UL Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. William E. Allen called on the honors students to engage in research that will benefit the university and the country at large. “As you do your research, there it is bounding on you in making sure you produce the best research for public and private consumption,” he said.