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Monrovia, Liberia (June 19, 2026) – The University of Liberia (UL), in partnership with the World Bank Group, has awarded certificates to six graduate students who completed the institution’s inaugural public procurement internship program under its Master of Science in Procurement Program.
A group photo of the six participants posting with their certificates along with University of Liberia officials and representatives of the World Bank Group at Sinkor Palace
The ceremony, held on Thursday at the Sinkor Palace Hotel on Tubman Boulevard, drew university officials, representatives of the World Bank’s Liberia office, government officials, and members of the public.
The six participants – Jacob Toe Daykeay, Theressa Kote Sarplah, Aloysious K. Togba, Naomi M. Marshall Dassin, Tarus William Sllehsee, and Don Chester T. Baker, II – represent the first cohort of the one-year World Bank – sponsored program, which organizers said was intentionally kept small to ensure participants were self-sponsored and not fully engaged to focus on their training.
University of Liberia President Dr. Layli Maparyan presents a certificate to one of the participants, Ms. Naomi M. Marshall Dassin
UL President Dr. Layli Maparyan speaks at the certification ceremony honoring the six graduates of the institution’s first public procurement internship
University of Liberia President Dr. Layli Maparyan appreciated the World Bank for its unwavering support and collaboration, noting that the partnership has evolved into a model of impactful engagement focusing on human capacity development, public sector strengthening, specialized academic infrastructure, professional and internship programs, and the establishment of regional academic centers of excellence.
“The master’s program in procurement was conceived as a strategic response to a critical national need. Procurement and supply chain management are at the heart of effective governance, fiscal responsibility, and sustainable development,” she said.
Intern chairperson Ms. Theressa Kote Sarplah speaks on behalf of her peers during the ceremony
She urged the World Bank and other partners to support doctoral training for faculty members to sustain the program’s growth and quality.
“The internship component in particular has enabled students to gain first-hand experience on active development projects, exposing them to international standards, accountability mechanisms, and best practices in procurement management,” she said.
World Bank Education Specialist Ms. Binta Massaquoi told graduates the internship was designed to bridge learning with real-world practice.
“This was about giving you the experience and the confidence to go with it. Today is the beginning. Stay curious, stay honest, and go and do good work. Liberia needs exactly what you have to offer, and we are confident that you are ready,” said Ms. Massaquoi.
World Bank Education Specialist Ms. Binta Massaquoi makes remarks at the prrogram
Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) Executive Director Mr. Bodger Scot Johnson said legislation is being advanced to protect procurement practitioners from political interference and prevent those in authority from replacing professionals with their family members.
He added that the PPCC wants to make sure talents are absorbed, especially those who have gone through the procurement training at the university.
“We’re about to recruit more. We’re about to recruit more accountants. We’re also making an argument to all the entities in government that we must have a clean procurement officer to make our work less stressful,” he said.
(L-R) University of Liberia President Dr. Layli Maparyan, World Bank Education Specialist Ms. Binta Massaquoi, UL Vice President Dr. Jonathan C. Taylor, and World Bank Procurement Practice Manager Ms. Nazaneen Ismail Ali at the ceremony
Earlier, University of Liberia Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research Dr. Jonathan C. Taylor traced the program’s roots to a 2003-2004 UN – World Bank needs assessment of Liberia’s public service that identified weaknesses in Liberia’s public financial management and institutional framework as a barrier to post-conflict reconstruction and development.
Dr. Taylor said the financial management training program (FMTP) and the intensive procurement training program (IPTP) were transitioned to the University of Liberia in 2019, upgrading the post-graduate diploma program to a 54-credit-hour Master of Science degree. “The inaugural batch of 43 graduates were part of our February 2026 convocation, some of whom are beneficiaries of this internship program,” said Dr. Taylor.
World Bank Procurement Practice Manager Ms. Nazaneen Ismail Ali speaks during the program
World Bank Procurement Practice Manager Ms. Nazaneen Ismail Ali, based in the African Western and Central Region, underscored the importance of procurement in public investment. “Whether investing in roads, schools, healthcare, or any other public sector, effective procurement ensures that resources are used efficiently, transparently, and for the benefit of the citizens of Liberia,” she said.
Public Procurement and Concession Commission Executive Director Mr. Bodger Scot Johnson
Intern Chairperson Ms. Theressa Kote Sarplah, speaking on behalf of her peers, described the program as transformative. “The class has taught us the principles, the field has taught us the practice. We moved from theory to actions, and from students to professionals ready to serve,” Ms. Sarplah said.
