MONROVIA, LIBERIA — OCTOBER 20, 2024 — The Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP), a historic campus-based political movement at the state-run University of Liberia, today marks its 54th anniversary. The day of celebration has inspired reflections on the party’s storied legacy and its role in shaping Liberia’s socio-political landscape. Among those offering their congratulatory message is a prominent figure of SUP’s past—Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, former student leader, and current Director-General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL).
In an interview with Smart News Liberia, Dr. Nyan extended heartfelt congratulations to SUP, expressing his admiration for the organization’s unwavering principles over the years. “Happy 54th Birthday & Anniversary, SUP,” he stated. “Thank you for teaching us patriotism, accountability, transparency, resilience, consistency, Pan-Africanism, and to ‘Love, Think, and Build Liberia.’” He continued, emphasizing the profound lessons the movement has imparted. “We were taught to be servant-leaders—then and now—and to never exploit the people. My hope is that we can all continue to live by these principles and values to build a decent and prosperous Liberia, Africa, and humanity.”
Dr. Nyan also issued a cautionary note: “Not living in line with these virtues is a betrayal of the people’s struggle. This is not politics; it’s history, civics, and my biography as Chairman Emeritus of SUP.” As a celebrated medical doctor, biomedical scientist, inventor, and activist, Dr. Nyan’s engagement with the party has always transcended politics, merging science, advocacy, and revolutionary principles into his life’s work. He is also the recipient of the prestigious 2017 African Innovation Prize for Social Impact.
SUP was born out of the revolutionary ferment of the 1970s, emerging as a critical force in the fight for justice and equality. The party was established during an era when the ruling elites and their capitalist agenda dominated the nation. SUP stood resolutely against the marginalization of Liberia’s indigenous population, advocating for their inclusion in higher education, particularly at the University of Liberia.
During the early years of its struggle, SUP focused on breaking barriers that kept education exclusive to the children of Liberia’s pioneers. Native children, often forced to change their traditional names like “Yarkpawolo” to more Westernized surnames like “Johnson” or “Weeks,” were denied equal access to educational opportunities. SUP, with its commitment to championing the rights of the masses, became the singular voice advocating for the inclusion of indigenous students at the university.
The revolutionary spirit that ignited SUP in the 1970s has continued to guide its activities, making it an indomitable force for progress in Liberia. As Dr. Nyan acknowledged in his message, the party’s emphasis on Pan-Africanism, accountability, and service to the people has remained consistent. “SUP’s role was never to sit back while the capitalist oppressors celebrated their dominance. Instead, it took the frontline, providing a path forward for the masses. That was its duty in the 70s, and that remains its duty today,” he noted.
As SUP celebrates this significant milestone, its legacy stands as a testament to the power of youth-driven movements to transform societies. For over five decades, SUP has shaped the political consciousness of generations of Liberians, remaining a beacon of revolutionary thought and action. Dr. Nyan’s message to the party reflects both a celebration of the past and a call to uphold its enduring values as Liberia faces new challenges in its quest for progress and justice.
Today’s celebration is not just a remembrance of history but a reaffirmation of the principles SUP has long championed—the same principles Dr. Nyan and countless others have carried forward in their respective fields of endeavor. In his words, “Let us build a decent and prosperous Liberia, Africa, and humanity by living in accordance with the values SUP has taught us. Anything less is a betrayal of the people’s struggle.”
As Liberia reflects on the impact of this revolutionary student movement, SUP’s commitment to advancing the cause of the masses remains more relevant than ever.
