Monrovia, Liberia (October 23, 2026) – The Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA) has committed US$48,390 to help upgrade the University of Liberia’s Earth Sciences Laboratory under a memorandum of understanding signed between the two institutions.
The MoU was signed by UL President Dr. Layli Maparyan and LPRA Director General Madam Marilyn Logan Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at LPRA’s office on 18th Street, Sinkor. The signing creates a relationship between UL and LPRA that could be a bridge to workforce development for graduates from the College of Engineering, particularly in the Earth Sciences.
The laboratory, when upgraded, will expose science students to hands-on, solution-driven, and practical knowledge in the petroleum sector.
During the signing ceremony, University of Liberia President Dr. Layli Maparyan said students frequently express the need for more practical educational experiences.
“If there’s one thing that the students of UL ask me for more than anything else, it’s practical experience. They ask me, ‘How can you help us move beyond theory to get more practical experience?’ Practical experience starts in the lab, and then it moves from there to internships and practicum and job experiences and so on,” Dr. Maparyan said.
She added that there’s more that can be done to upgrade the curriculum and faculty credentials of the university – the engine of the Liberian economy, which has put many people into the Liberian workforce.
She told the gathering that the university has been undergoing a transformational renovation, modernization, and beautification exercise of its campus buildings and grounds.
“Included in that, particularly as we move into next year’s portion of the renovation exercise, is going to be laboratory development improvement,” Dr. Maparyan declared.
Recalling her first meeting with science professors and leaders of the College of Engineering just over a year ago, Dr. Maparyan said she surveyed the landscape of the college across all its departments as well as the many science departments of the university.
She said she recognized that laboratory development, including the development of fee-for-service laboratories that allow the university to engage the public, was one of the most important strategic priorities of the university, and thereby incorporated it into its strategic plan.
“And so, it is with great satisfaction today that I come together with this group and see the opportunity to realistically advance one of these strategic goals in such an important sector of the Liberian economy,” she said.
She added that the engagement between UL and LPRA is out front in the effort of laboratory development improvement and is something that will be leading the way.
Dr. Maparyan said she felt very welcomed by LPRA Director General Madam Marilyn Logan and her team, and also acknowledged the leadership of the College of Engineering and the department for its role in facilitating the engagement that led to the collaboration that was made concrete by the signing of the MoU.
LPRA Director General Madam Marilyn Logan said a modern, functional laboratory will give students the opportunity to move beyond the classroom theory and gain practical experience using the tools and technology applied in the petroleum and broader geosciences industries.
According to her, it will also strengthen the university’s capacity to provide technical services, support research, and develop expertise that can contribute to national development.
“To support this effort, the LPRA intends to invest approximately $48,390 in laboratory refurbishment, equipment, and related materials,” she said.
The items, she detailed, include desktop computers, projectors, air conditioners, digital petrographic microscopes, geological compasses, chairs, rocks, and mineral collection sets, electrical rewiring accessories, batteries, and other essential materials needed to improve the laboratory’s functionality.
“These are not simply equipment purchases. They are investments in quality of education that will be provided to our people, the practical competence of our students, and the future of Liberia’s technical workforce,” said Madam Logan.
She described the MoU between UL and LPRA as a commitment to delivering Liberian talent, strengthening national institutions, and preparing the nation’s people to participate meaningfully in the future of the petroleum sector.
“Our natural resources must contribute and create opportunities for our people, and our people must be equipped and seize those opportunities. This partnership with the University of Liberia is an important part of that mission,” said Madam Logan.
She declared that a key component of this initiative is the refurbishment and equipping of the Department of Earth Sciences Laboratory at the university because Earth Sciences is fundamental to understanding petroleum systems, evaluating geological formations, interpreting subsurface data, and supporting responsible exploration and development.
She further said that the refurbishment will ensure that the equipment provided can be used effectively rather than remain underutilized because of inadequate facilities.
The investment, she said, iS also intended to support the university’s fee for-service program, strengthening its ability to provide technical services and generate additional resources to sustain its operations.
“Our expectation is that the laboratory will become a productive academic and technical facility that benefits students, faculty, industry, and the country at large,” she said.
Madam Logan said the LPRA expects the equipment and facilities to be properly managed, maintained, and used for the intended purposes, with clear attention to measurable outcomes and long-term institutional benefits.
