By Bishop Prof. Rudolph Q. Kwanue, Sr. PhD. – Founder and President of Rudolph Kwanue University College RKCU, Liberia
Prof. Edward Lama Wonkeryor, the current Executive Director of the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) in Liberia, has earned widespread recognition for his transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to improving the country’s education sector. At 68 years old, Prof. Wonkonye has demonstrated exceptional maturity and dedication to nation-building through his various roles in Liberia’s academic and public service arenas.
With a strong educational background and deep passion for education, Prof. Wonkeryor has been appointed to several key positions by successive Liberian administrations. He was first appointed by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as President of Tubman University in Maryland County and later served as President of Nimba County Community College, where he was instrumental in the institution’s efforts to achieve university status. In 2022, he was appointed by President George Weah as Director General of NCHE. Most recently, President Joseph Boakai reappointed him to the same position, recognizing his invaluable contributions.
When Prof. Wonkeryor first took over the leadership of NCHE, he was faced with the challenge of transforming an under-resourced institution. The NCHE headquarters, at the time, was housed in a small, inadequate building that did not reflect the critical role the commission plays in overseeing higher education in Liberia. Despite these setbacks, Prof. Wonkonye introduced fresh and innovative ideas aimed at reshaping the commission and addressing systemic challenges in Liberia’s higher education landscape.
His vision for NCHE includes numerous initiatives, such as securing a portion of land from the University of Liberia for the commission, an unprecedented achievement. He engaged key stakeholders to emphasize the importance of the NCHE’s role, even offering his private car for official duties when the government was unable to provide necessary resources.
Prof. Wonkeryor’s leadership is characterized by his commitment to transparency and ethical governance. He is known for rejecting illicit funds and bribes, and he has successfully fostered unity within Liberia’s higher education community. Under his leadership, the Universities Association of Liberia has been reunited, and the NCHE staff have experienced a renewed sense of purpose and cohesion.
Some of his notable accomplishments include reintroducing national data collection for universities and colleges, empowering young people within the NCHE, leading national assessment teams to evaluate higher education institutions, and gaining recognition for NCHE from governments in Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Benin Republic. His efforts to improve NCHE’s visibility and operations led to the approval of the commission’s national budget by President Boakai—another historic achievement.
Prof. Wonkeryor’s leadership extends beyond his official duties. He is known for personally reaching out to university presidents to check on their welfare and gain firsthand knowledge of their institutions’ needs. He is also a humanitarian who provides support to those in need, whether they are sick or facing other challenges.
Despite these achievements, NCHE continues to face financial difficulties. While the national budget has been approved, accessing funds remains a challenge, and the commission is still struggling to secure adequate mobility and resources. However, with Prof. Wonkeryor’s leadership, the NCHE is on the path to significant progress. The land granted to the commission by the University of Liberia is set to be developed, and the commission’s operations are expected to improve.
As the President and Founder of Rudolph Kwanue University College (RKUC) and a member of the NCHE family, I am proud to identify with Prof. Edward Lama Wonkonye for his remarkable contributions, leadership, and dedication to the betterment of Liberia’s education system. His exemplary service and integrity make him a standout figure in the nation’s ongoing efforts to advance higher education.
