By: Henry Mugee Massaquoi
Liberia stands at a critical crossroads. For decades, we’ve watched over-educated, self-centered individuals rise to power only to serve themselves rather than the nation. Too many of our so-called leaders are driven by ego, greed, and status—hiding behind titles and degrees that mean little when the people remain hungry, hopeless, and unheard.
Yes, education is important. But education is not only found in the classroom. Life has taught me that wisdom, humility, and compassion often come from people who never held a degree.
Some of the most insightful, community-minded people I’ve known never wore a graduation cap but carried knowledge, love, and integrity in their hearts. Growing up, I struggled in school—not because I couldn’t learn, but because I knew there was more to life than memorizing facts and chasing grades. The system seemed designed to teach everything except how to treat each other like human beings.
Today, many degree-holders walk around with an air of superiority, clutching certificates given by institutions built by our former oppressors. But what good is a diploma if you lack compassion? What value does a degree hold if you can’t respect your neighbor or uplift your community?
In Liberia, it has become a norm—almost a dream—for every graduate to seek work in government. Why? Because government is where the money flows. But instead of public service, we see personal enrichment. Instead of sacrifice, we see selfies behind big desks and laptops, posing in suits like they’ve climbed Mount Zion. Enough of the show. Liberia doesn’t need more career politicians. It needs nation-builders.
We need plumbers, electricians, mechanics, farmers, and carpenters—people who get their hands dirty fixing what’s broken, building what’s missing, and feeding a hungry nation. These are the real heroes of any society. Yet, we overlook them, while praising those who can speak fluent English but can’t fix a leaking pipe or plant a seed. Let’s be clear: the world is changing. Artificial Intelligence (AI)—tools like ChatGPT and beyond—are already replacing white-collar jobs across the globe. Soon, many of the degrees we cherish will be outdated. Machines will write reports, analyze data, and manage systems faster and more accurately than any human. What then will our degree-chasers do?
It’s time we stop stacking degrees like trophies from a bygone era and start focusing on purpose, skill, and service. But more than anything, Liberia’s crisis is no longer just physical or political—it is spiritual.
Corruption, greed, division, and hate are not just policies or practices; they are the symptoms of a deeper problem. The soul of our nation is under attack. And no leader—no matter how intelligent—can fix that without God. I don’t subscribe to religious systems. But I firmly believe that Jesus Christ is our only way forward, not through empty religion, but through real transformation—of our hearts, our values, and our vision.
Only the power of Christ can break the chains of generational pain, restore integrity in leadership, and heal a broken people. Liberia needs a God-fearing leader. Someone not obsessed with power, but burdened with purpose. Someone who doesn’t just know policy, but walks with humility and leads with love.
We’ve had enough of the noise, enough of the fancy suits and speeches. We need truth. We need action. We need hope. To Jesus Christ I give all the glory—and through Him, all things are possible.
I love you, Liberia. May God bless and heal our land.
About The Author
Henry Mugee Massaquoi Born on October 24, 1986, Hails from Grand Cape Mount County, Liberia. He is a writer, artist, and athlete.
Henry is passionate about using his gifts to serve both God and Humanity. His life story is rooted in resilience—rising above challenges and rejections to become a voice for the overlooked and underestimated.
He believes true leadership is not about titles or positions but about humility, accountability, and service to others.
Through his work and message, Henry calls on the next generation of Liberians to embrace integrity, courage, and faith as the foundation for lasting peace.
