GREATER NOIDA, INDIA – The University of Liberia (UL) is seeking to strengthen its international academic partnerships following a high-level visit by its President, Prof. Dr. Layli Maparyan, to Sharda University in Greater Noida, India, in a move expected to advance institutional cooperation, faculty development, research collaboration, and human capacity building.
The visit, described by senior University of Liberia academic official Prof. Dr. Josephus M. Gray as a historic engagement, brought renewed attention to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two institutions in 2022 and created an opportunity to reinforce their commitment to practical academic cooperation.
President Maparyan’s engagement with Sharda University represents an important step in the University of Liberia’s efforts to expand its international academic relationships and explore opportunities that could improve teaching, research, professional development, and institutional capacity.
According to Prof. Gray, the visit went beyond traditional diplomatic and institutional courtesies, providing an opportunity for both universities to reaffirm their shared commitment to educational advancement and meaningful collaboration.
At Sharda University’s campus in Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, Maparyan received a warm reception from Dr. Ashok Daryani, President of Sharda Group of Companies and Sharda University, alongside members of the university’s leadership, faculty, and administrative staff.
Dr. Daryani was particularly recognized for his continued commitment to supporting educational development in Liberia, including faculty capacity building, human resource development, and health-related initiatives.
The relationship between the University of Liberia and Sharda University dates back to the signing of their 2022 MoU, which established a framework for cooperation between the two academic institutions.
Prof. Gray said Maparyan’s visit had helped renew the partnership and strengthen mutual confidence, while opening additional opportunities for collaboration.
Among the areas identified for further engagement is the proposed Center of Excellence, alongside faculty and staff development initiatives intended to strengthen institutional capabilities and improve the quality of academic delivery.
However, the long-term value of the renewed engagement will depend on how effectively both universities translate their commitments into concrete programs, measurable results, and opportunities for students and academic personnel.
For Liberia, international university partnerships carry particular importance as the country continues to confront challenges involving higher education financing, research infrastructure, professional training, and the development of qualified human resources.
The University of Liberia, as the country’s flagship public university, has a responsibility to ensure that international relationships produce practical benefits for its students, lecturers, researchers, and the wider national education system.
The visit also included engagement with Sharda Care Health City, reflecting the broader institutional relationship and the potential for cooperation beyond conventional classroom-based academic programs.
Prof. Gray expressed appreciation to Dr. Daryani, Mr. Sachin Saini, the Vice Chancellor, deans, directors, professors, and the International Relations Division for their hospitality and contributions to the successful engagement.
He also acknowledged the role of the previous University of Liberia leadership under Dr. Julius Julukon Sarwolo Nelson, which initiated the partnership with Sharda University.
The visit comes against the backdrop of increasing interest in international academic cooperation as universities seek opportunities to exchange expertise, strengthen research capabilities, and expose students and faculty to global educational experiences.
For President Maparyan’s administration, the challenge now is to build on the renewed relationship and ensure that the 2022 agreement delivers tangible outcomes rather than remaining an institutional document.
Such outcomes could include expanded academic exchange programs, professional development opportunities, joint research, specialized training, and stronger institutional links between Liberia and India.
Prof. Gray, who serves as Doyen of Deans at the University of Liberia, Dean of the Amos C. Sawyer College, Visiting Professor at Sharda University, and an external examiner for Ph.D. dissertations at the Indian institution, described the engagement as a positive development for both universities.
He congratulated Maparyan and Daryani for their leadership and commitment to advancing education and human development.
As the University of Liberia seeks to expand its international footprint, the renewed engagement with Sharda University presents an opportunity to demonstrate how cross-border academic partnerships can contribute to Liberia’s long-term educational and institutional development.
