Monrovia, Liberia Oct 28, 2024 | The University has formally launched its first doctoral programs to offer courses in Health Sciences and Educational Administration, after 162 years of the institution’s existence.

The Visitor of the University of Liberia (UL) and President of the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Amb. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., performed the task of launching the doctoral programs on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, on the Capitol Hill campus.

The launch of the UL Doctoral Programs was held under the theme: “Strengthening Research and Innovation for Higher Education Transformation in Liberia.”

Having launched the doctoral programs, the University is starting with a PhD program in Biomedical Sciences, Virology, Immunology, Microbiology, Public Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics.

By the middle of the next academic year, the University will follow this with Educational Administration, Curriculum, Instruction, Measurement, and Evaluation.

President Boakai said he was delighted to preside over the official ceremonies for the launch of the doctoral programs at the University of Liberia, his Alma Mater.

He described the program as a significant milestone in Liberia’s educational sector because it dramatically impacts the country’s educational landscape by elevating the nation’s intellectual research capabilities.

“Let me emphasize that my government is very committed to academic excellence, research, and innovation. And I’m saying this with all seriousness,” President Boakai assured.

“Whatever it is, we’re going to support the University of Liberia. These commitments will position us in our knowledge-based economy that will inform our economic growth through advanced research and innovative initiatives,” President Boakai added.

In this light, he detailed that higher education, innovation, and research are highlighted in his government’s AREST agenda for inclusive education and development.

President Boakai indicated that the rollout of these doctoral programs at the University of Liberia has come at an opportune time for the renewal of national growth.

“I therefore reaffirm our government’s commitment to supporting and investing in higher education infrastructure, research funding, scholarships, and partnerships with international institutions,” he pledged.

He stated that these programs also have the potential to attract international students and scholars, eventually making Liberia a hub for knowledge production and research.

However, the Visitor noted that this would also only be possible through working together as one government in gaining expertise, efforts, and resources toward objectives supporting research, innovation, and capacity building for the enhancement of the nation’s development.

Delivering a special statement, Acting UL President Prof. Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh said the University has embarked on a new chapter in its history by launching doctoral degree programs in Health Sciences and Educational Administration.

“This milestone underscores our commitment to strengthening research and innovation for higher education transformation in Liberia,” said Conteh.

According to Dr. Conteh, the doctoral programs will foster a culture of critical thinking, creativity, and evidence-based problem-solving.

“As we strive for academic excellence, we recognize research and innovation’s critical role in addressing Liberia’s pressing challenges,” he said.

Dr. Conteh stated that the University is nurturing leaders who will transform Liberia’s health care and educational landscapes within the context of the country’s development program, the AREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).

He added that critical program highlights include interdisciplinary collaboration, which means the doctoral programs will bring together experts from diverse fields and institutions to tackle complex issues.

Dr. Conteh disclosed that the establishment of these doctoral programs is the culmination of years of hard work, meticulous planning, and relentless dedication by the UL Faculty, Administration, and Partners.

“Students will develop innovative solutions to Liberia’s health care and educational challenges. Furthermore, we will empower the next generation of leaders to drive Liberia’s development,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Cllr. Tolbert G. Nyenswah, Senior Research Associate/Faculty at Johns Hopkins University, said the launch of the doctoral programs is a bold step.

Dr. Nyenswah stated that it aims to foster critical thinking, advance research capabilities in the country, and build the necessary capital, and address the most pressing health and educational challenges.

Reflecting on Liberia’s lesson learned during the Ebola outbreak, Dr. Nyenswah said with over 11,000 cases and nearly 5,000 deaths in Liberia alone, the epidemic was not only a public health crisis but a call to action.

“So, it underscores the urgent need for robust research education to build resilience,” he said.

He noted that the collaborative effort of national and international partners enabled Liberia to overcome the epidemic.

He stated that the world is dealing with M-pox (formerly monkeypox) outbreak currently.