MONROVIA – At the 104th Commencement Convocation of the University of Liberia on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Director-General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), delivered an inspiring keynote address. The Liberian Medical Doctor and Biomedical Research Scientist emphasized the importance of harnessing scientific knowledge for innovation rather than exploitation.
Speaking to graduates from the William R. Tolbert College of Agriculture & Forestry, the Thomas J.R. Faulkner College of Science, the College of Engineering, and the David A. Straz-Sinje Vocational and Technical College, Dr. Nyan urged them to use their skills and education to serve the nation and bring positive change. “The Liberia we seek and discuss daily is only possible when you use your education for the good of the people and not to exploit them,” he remarked. He encouraged graduates to become critical thinkers and problem-solvers, capable of addressing Liberia’s complex challenges.
Dr. Nyan specifically highlighted the significance of the graduates’ respective fields. He pointed out that those trained in agriculture and forestry have the responsibility to nourish the population, while engineering graduates are tasked with building safe and durable infrastructure. “Provide solutions to our complex problems, be the change maker that Liberia desperately needs,” he said.
He also addressed the wider role that education plays in shaping ethical and compassionate professionals. “Knowledge is a powerful tool—it can be both humanizing and demonizing,” Dr. Nyan noted. He urged graduates to cultivate integrity and honesty in their professional lives, reminding them that their degrees are not just personal achievements, but also a call to national service. “Liberia is hungrily in need of professionals guided by ethics, compassion, and commitment to do good.”
Reflecting on his own experiences, Dr. Nyan recalled being expelled from the University’s Science College during Liberia’s military rule, his subsequent imprisonment, and his journey into exile. Despite these challenges, he affirmed his enduring connection to the institution, particularly his time spent in the labs and the camaraderie with fellow students.
The ceremony saw 878 graduates conferred with undergraduate degrees across various disciplines, marking a significant milestone for the students and the nation.
In closing, Dr. Nyan emphasized that the true measure of success would not solely be based on professional accomplishments but on ethical conduct and service to society, a message that resonated deeply with the graduating class.
