MONROVIA, LIBERIA – In a historic stride for Liberia’s education sector, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, officially launched the country’s first-ever doctoral programs at the University of Liberia. Held at the institution’s Capitol Hill Campus, this landmark event marks a significant advancement in Liberia’s academic development, positioning the nation to elevate its intellectual and research capacities.
President Boakai, in his remarks, hailed the launch of the Ph.D. programs in Health Sciences and Education Administration as a transformative step. “This marks a turning point in Liberia’s higher education landscape. These programs are part of my Government’s deliberate efforts to strengthen academic excellence, research, and innovation in Liberia,” President Boakai stated. He emphasized that the programs align with the Government’s broader vision of inclusive development as outlined in the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
The AAID, now serving as Liberia’s national development plan, prioritizes education alongside Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Sanitation, and Tourism. “Education is the bedrock of sustainable development, and these doctoral programs come at an opportune time in our nation’s journey toward renewal. They will contribute to solving challenges in our educational system, including access, quality, and outcomes,” Boakai said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting higher education through investments in infrastructure, research funding, and international partnerships.
The newly introduced doctoral programs are set to bolster Liberia’s standing as an emerging hub for research and innovation in West Africa. The Ph.D. in Education offers three specialized tracks: Educational Administration, Measurements and Evaluation, and Curriculum and Instruction. These fields aim to equip future leaders with advanced knowledge and skills to drive educational reform and foster academic excellence.
In Health Sciences, the Ph.D. program features two key areas: Biomedical Sciences, focusing on Immunology, Virology, and Microbiology, and Public Health, with a concentration on Epidemiology and Biostatistics. These programs are designed to enhance the university’s research capabilities and promote groundbreaking scholarship in health care and public health.
President Boakai also commended the University of Liberia’s leadership and the first cohort of doctoral students, urging them to embrace their pioneering role with integrity, academic rigor, and innovation. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, the private sector, and international academic institutions in driving national progress. Special recognition was given to the Consortium of United States Universities for the Support of Higher Education in Liberia and other partners who helped make the program possible.
“The launch of these doctoral programs is a testament to our commitment to building a knowledge-based economy,” Boakai concluded, officially declaring the programs launched. This historic occasion signals a new chapter for Liberia’s academic and research landscape, promising to contribute to the country’s sustainable development and its global academic footprint.
