D Abraham Cooper sr
February 12,2026
Following the global tradition of academic institutions strategizing to meet evolving challenges, the Grand Gedeh University (GGU) has announced the launch of a $1 Million (USD) Education Endowment Fund designed to bridge the funding gap created by GGU’s transition to a full-fledged university, ensuring the institution can effectively execute its academic mandate.
Speaking on the ELBC Bumper Show on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the President of the institution, Dr. Eric ZM Gbotoe said while the university celebrates its new status, the transition brings significant financial responsibilities. He stressed that the 2026 national budget was finalized based on GGU’s previous status as a community college, leaving a shortfall in the resources required for a comprehensive university. To address this, the fund will prioritize:
Dr. Gbotoe said the fund will prioritize recruiting faculty with a minimum of a Master’s degree and investing in staff capacity building, constructing modern classrooms, laboratories, and administrative offices, overhauling physical infrastructure to reflect a premier higher-education environment and building the capacity of the teaching staff to pursue higher degrees.
Speaking further, Dr. Gbotoe underscored the transformative impact the endowment fund is expected to have on higher education in southeastern Liberia and the country at large. He described the initiative as “a generational investment in Liberia’s future,” aimed at strengthening academic excellence, expanding infrastructure, supporting faculty development, and providing scholarships for deserving students.
“The Grand Gedeh University Endowment Fund is not just about raising money,” Dr. Gbotoe said during the live broadcast. “It is about building a sustainable institution that will empower young Liberians with quality education, skills, and opportunities to compete globally.”
He emphasized that education remains the cornerstone of national development and urged individuals, businesses, government institutions, and members of the Liberian diaspora to contribute generously to the initiative.
“Every contribution counts,” he noted. “Whether you are a market woman in Zwedru, a business executive in Monrovia, or a Liberian professional in the diaspora, this is your university. This is our collective responsibility.”
Dr. Gbotoe also highlighted the strategic importance of Grand Gedeh University in decentralizing higher education and expanding access to tertiary learning opportunities outside Monrovia. He pointed out that strengthening institutions in rural counties would reduce educational disparities and stimulate regional economic growth.
Listeners of the Bumper Show commended the initiative through call-ins and messages, with many expressing optimism about the university’s potential to transform lives and communities.
The callers praised Dr. Gbotoe for his visionary leadership and commitment to educational advancement, noting that the campaign reflects a broader national push toward sustainable development through education.
As the $1 million Education Endowment Fund Drive gains momentum, Dr. Gbotoe reaffirmed his dedication to mobilizing support across Liberia and beyond.
“Let history remember us as the generation that invested in knowledge, empowered our youth, and secured the future of our nation,” he concluded.
The Grand Gedeh University Endowment Fund Drive which is slated for Friday, March 27, 2026 at the Monrovia City Hall is expected to continue with a series of public engagements, outreach campaigns, and partnership initiatives in the coming days.
In order to realize the objectives of the initiative, Dr. Gbotoe has appointed a dedicated team to pursue the project. The team is headed by Elijah Komontey Gbarweay, Media Lead of the institution while others include Watson Chelley, Secretary General, Rev. Emmanuel Zabay, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Tarley, Cllr. Alphonso Zeon, Mrs. Sarah Parwon, Shelton Dowaity, Miss Vashta Tarlue, Nyounkpao Funnebo, Thomas Neah and Marcus Jalarue.
According to a release from the institution, copy of which was sent to this paper, the launch will feature in phases beginning with Monrovia while the next editions will be held in the United States for Liberians especially Grand Gedeans living in the diaspora to contribute and the last program will be held in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County for the local citizens and residents.
