On Friday, January 10, 2025, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, serving as Visitor of the University of Liberia (UL), delivered a keynote address during the University’s Investiture Ceremony for its 16th President, Dr. Layli Maparyan.
The event also saw President Boakai conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, recognizing his significant contributions to Liberia’s educational and developmental progress.
President Boakai expressed unwavering support for the University of Liberia in his remarks, emphasizing its crucial role in shaping the nation’s future. He acknowledged the University as the foundation for nurturing future leaders poised to compete globally. “Our future leaders deserve the best learning environment as they prepare to compete globally,” he said, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to addressing the institution’s challenges.
President Boakai also reflected on the rich legacy of the University of Liberia, calling it a symbol of academic excellence, national pride, and a center of international collaboration. He highlighted the significance of Dr. Maparyan’s appointment as the new President, describing it as a milestone in the institution’s history and an opportunity for growth, innovation, and progress. The appointment, he noted, resulted from a rigorous and transparent process that ensured the University would continue to thrive under strong leadership.
In a forward-looking statement, President Boakai announced several government initiatives to revitalize the University’s infrastructure and address its pressing needs. Among the key priorities were the immediate renovation of facilities across the University’s four campuses, based on a detailed report submitted by the Ministry of Public Works. He also instructed the Minister of Finance to expedite the payment of outstanding faculty arrears, ensuring that the academic staff were properly compensated for their hard work. Additionally, the President confirmed the delivery of two new buses for the University’s Stratz-Sinje Campus in Grand Cape Mount County, which will improve transportation for students and staff.
The President called for collective action from all stakeholders—faculty, students, alums, and international partners—to restore the University to its rightful place as a leading institution of higher learning in Africa. He urged faculty and staff to resume their duties on January 13, 2025, marking the start of a new academic year filled with potential and promise. President Boakai concluded his address with a stirring message: “Let all of us go forth heralding the dawn of a new day for our beloved National University, as we work together to ensure its success as we Think Liberia, Love Liberia, and Build Liberia.”
The University of Liberia, founded in the mid-19th century, has long served as a cornerstone of Liberia’s educational landscape, producing leaders who have significantly contributed to national and international progress. As the institution ushers in a new era with the inauguration of Dr. Maparyan, the future of Liberia’s higher education system looks promising.
The ceremony, marked by grace and positivity, unfolded smoothly, symbolizing the shared hopes and aspirations for the University’s future. Dr. Maparyan’s inaugural speech captivated the audience, emphasizing her transformative vision for the institution. Her message underscored the importance of scientific methodologies in advancing education, setting the tone for her tenure as President.
Dr. Maparyan’s leadership shows a renewed sense of optimism among the University’s faculty, students, and stakeholders. Her commitment to innovation and academic excellence promises to elevate the University’s local and global standing. The University community supports her initiatives, eagerly anticipating the groundbreaking developments she aims to achieve, including fostering an environment rich in research and intellectual growth.
