Liberia: NCHE Grants Forestry Training Institute AA Degree Status

The Forestry Training Institute (FTI) in Tubmanburg, Bomi County, Western Liberia,  has taken a positive step forward consistent with her dream, having been accredited by the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) as an AA degree-granting institution. 

FTI offers forestry-related courses and has, over the years, graduated students as middle-level foresters at a diploma level.  

The AA degree-granting status increases her thirst to excel at a full-fledged degree-granting institution. 

On the well-attended occasion marking the official unveiling of the accreditation document on January 17, on the FTI campus in Tubmanburg, the dust of jubilation could be seen whirling high over the campus, while rainbow joy could be measured here and there on the faces of the students, faculty members, as well as other well-wishers.

The program was graced by high-profile representatives from the USAID projects, US Forest Service, Mano River Union, local NGOs, academia, and local leaders, amongst others, who respectively expressed joy and happiness over the milestone step taken by FTI. 

US Forest Service, USAID projects, and Mano River Union made remarks and respectively pledged to remain unflinchingly supportive of the institution as it strives to implement its academic dream, especially at a time when the need to produce professional foresters cannot be overemphasized. 

They praised the FTI Executive Director, Mr. Joel Gamys, for his resilience and persistence, which resulted in the achievement.

In presenting the accreditation certificate to FTI Executive Director Dr. Edward L. Wonkeryor, the Director General of the National Commission on Higher Education, he said he was happy to share the success story of the FTI, describing it as a boost for Liberia, especially the forestry sector. 

The NCHE boss lauded the FTI administration for the milestone achievement and noted that NCHE will continue to ensure that FTI reaches the apex of its dream. 

He urged the instructional staff to be more exertive than before to raise FTI's flag high nationally and internationally.

Receiving the accreditation document before the enthusiastic audience, FTI's Executive Director, Mr. Joel D. Gamys, expressed excitement and described the occasion as a dream come true. 

He reflected on the tedious journey and the challenges faced along the way that had preceded the achievement. 

Gamys proudly raised his voice, recognizing all those who, according to him, "heard our cry, gave us the needed attention when we called them, those who saw our dream far away, and the need to help us cross the line.". 

He specifically recognized the US Forest Service, USAID projects, and UNDP, amongst others, who have been and continue to be supportive of FTI. 

Gamys said the status won has given them the impetus to keep excelling, saying, “Our next bus stop is to earn a full-fledged degree-granting status.” 

He said that given the measurable attraction of FTI in the wake of progress being made academically and infrastructurally, there is a need for additional classrooms, logistical support, and a state-of-the-art laboratory, amongst others. 

Gamys used the occasion to thank his staff and the county officials for their collaboration, which also helped to successfully brace the dream.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. C. Mike Doryen, has lauded all those whose efforts gave birth to the status of FTI. 

He recognised the late Executive Director, Mr. Jeremiah Karmo, whom he said started the process. He hoped FTI would continue to climb higher and higher.