By: Gareyson Y. Neufville
The Maryland annex of LICOSESS College of Education has graduated more than 58 students with “C” Certificates and Associate of Arts (AA) degrees in Education, marking another significant milestone in the institution’s ongoing contribution to strengthening Liberia’s education sector.
The colorful graduation ceremony, held in Harper, brought together education stakeholders, local authorities, families, and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the academic achievements of the graduates. The conferral of both the “C” Certificate and the Associate of Arts degree reflects the institution’s continued effort to professionalize teaching and improve classroom standards across Maryland County and beyond.
Speaking at the ceremony LICOSSES president Dr.Benjamin Y.Wehye address, frustration over the deplorable learning conditions of schools across Maryland county and 5he lacked of trained teachers and challenged the graduates to see their accomplishment not merely as a personal victory, but as a national responsibility.
He emphasized that education remains the backbone of Liberia’s development and urged the newly trained teachers to uphold integrity, professionalism, and dedication in their service.
“Today, you are not just receiving certificates and degrees,” the keynote speaker declared. “You are receiving a mandate to transform lives, to inspire hope, and to rebuild the foundation of our nation through quality education.”
He stressed that rural counties like
Maryland require committed educators who are willing to serve in hard-to-reach communities, noting that access to trained teachers remains a challenge in several districts. According to him, the presence of trained “C” Certificate and AA degree holders in the county will significantly boost the quality of instruction at the early childhood, primary, and junior secondary levels.
The speaker also highlighted ongoing national education reforms under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, calling on the graduates to align themselves with curriculum standards, child-centered teaching approaches, and ethical classroom practices. He reminded them that the credibility of the profession depends on their conduct both inside and outside the classroom.
Officials of LICOSESS praised the graduates for their resilience and commitment throughout their studies, noting that many balanced work, family responsibilities, and academic requirements. The administration reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to teacher education programs in southeastern Liberia.
Parents and community leaders described the graduation as historic, pointing out that the training of over 100 educators in one cohort represents a major boost for Maryland County’s human resource capacity. Several graduates expressed gratitude to their lecturers and families, pledging to return to their respective communities to serve with diligence.
As the ceremony concluded, the atmosphere was filled with optimism and renewed determination. With more than 100 newly qualified teachers stepping into classrooms across the county and country, Maryland County stands poised to benefit from a stronger, more professional teaching workforce.
The graduation not only celebrated academic achievement but also reaffirmed the critical role of teacher education in shaping Liberia’s future.
