Liberia: ‘Diversify Academic Programs to Propel Liberia into Future’

The University of Liberia was served a wake-up call on Tuesday by the Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), who urged the institution’s leadership to diversify its academic programs to propel the country to a position of readiness for any opportunities. 

Speaking May 30 at the University of Liberia’s 103^rd commencement convocation as the keynote speaker at its Fendall Campus, Montserrado County,  Emma Metieh Glassco challenged academic institutions to create additional programs other than the conventional ones — medicine, law, accounting, public administration and sociology. 

Glasscos  advised the University administrators to develop varieties of skills that can be marketable to the region and the world at large.

“It has been said that opportunities come to the deserving. However, those who know a thing or two about opportunities will readily admit that opportunities actually come to those who are prepared,”  said Glassco.

The NaFAA Director-Denera explained diversification would serve as a step forward in creating a prepared nation to address current and future challenges.

“Diversification in our academic programs is an essential step forward in creating a prepared nation for the future,” Glassco said. “This should serve as a national call to action for all educational stakeholders including the government, to increase its investments in the educational sector which is practically the only way towards elevating Liberia’s economic status.”

Glassco stated that the purpose of the diversification in Liberian academic programs is to increase investments in the educational sector which is practically the only way towards elevating Liberia’s economic status.

Referencing the Republic of Cuba, the Liberian Fisheries Boss mentioned that Liberia can also export its labor force to attract foreign remittances as Cuba exports healthcare services by means of sending physicians, nurses and healthcare technicians to other countries as a revenue source. 

She stressed that Liberia can do the same or better, reflecting on Liberia’s record of once having had the most sophisticated labor force in West Africa during the 1960s.

At the same time, Glassco has urged the government and the private sectors to tap into emerging industries such as the multi-billion-dollar Seaweed industry, for example, of which Liberia is a natural habitat. 

She indicated that research has shown that seaweed, which is commonly seen as dirt along Liberia’s beaches when pushed out by the ocean tides, is currently valued at US$17.85 billion and can be used as vegetables, animal feed, fertilizers, cosmetics, and industrial gums. 

Indonesia, she noted as and for example ,is a leading exporter in this industry followed by America and China.

She noted that even mango, a seasonal fruit of Liberia, is widely consumed globally as substantial investment can be made in the fruit to aid in boosting the viability of the Liberian agricultural sector.

Glassco mentioned further that Mali is a leading exporter of Mango currently exports 600, 000 metric tons of mango and generates a revenue of 30 million dollars per annum.  

“We need to build a society of creativity and innovation using our available resources thus making us more independent and self-sufficient towards becoming an export-based economy instead of an import-based economy,” Glassco said. “I strongly believe we can grow enough to feed ourselves and share with the world at large.”

Meanwhile, Glassco has challenged the graduates to explore new opportunities in the private sector so as to expand the growth of Liberia rather than seeking job opportunities in government immediately after graduation. 

She urged that nation building is a collective effort from everyone, therefore if Liberians should build a new Liberia, everyone must strive to create a better Liberia urging with collective skills, resources, and innovative ideas simply “thinking outside the box”.