Liberia: TU Commencement Orator Calls for Stance Against Injustice, Corruption

The commencement orator of the tenth convocation exercise of William V. S. Tubman University (TU), Dr. Professor Albert D. Mosley, has urged the graduates to stand up against injustice and corruption in Liberian society.

Mosley, President of the US-based Morningside University, emphasized the importance of African nations fighting corruption, which he described as a hindrance to democratic, social, economic, and infrastructure development. He called on the graduating students to take the lead in this battle, as they possess the education and knowledge that the county, country, continent, and world depend on.

He reminded them that their ancestors did not have the same global connections they now possess and emphasized that the success of any society relies on both its health and economy.

“You are more than professionals with careers and you are the future of Africa. What will you stand for? Africa needs you more because it is at a crossroads and you must contribute,” Mosley said.

Furthermore, Dr. Mosley emphasized the strong connection between economic status and individual health, stating that health is indeed wealth.

Addressing the graduating class, Dr. Mosley stressed the importance of standing up for institutional development and good governance. He urged the students to fight against societal ills, particularly corruption, which he said is hampering Africa’s economic potential and preventing the development of the entire world.

The orator further highlighted the longstanding issue of women’s education and empowerment, calling upon the graduates to actively support the empowerment of women as it benefits the entire society.

In terms of the university’s future plans, Dr. Mosley revealed a commitment to digital transformation, aiming to implement a smartphone-based registration system and eliminate the need for printed grade sheets. He expressed his vision of Tubman University becoming a place of relevance, contributing to a brighter future for Liberia and the global community.

As a demonstration of this belief, he awarded tuition-free scholarships to two outstanding students to pursue their master’s degrees in Public Health and Medicine at Morningside University in the United States. Dr. Mosley also announced plans for a faculty exchange program between Tubman University and an African university in Zimbabwe, aiming to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

TU’s president, Rev. Dr. Olu Q. Menjay, in his remarks, pledged to continue his efforts in fostering Tubman University’s mission and vision, emphasizing his commitment to minimizing wasteful spending, overcoming obstacles, and enhancing students' brain development, entrepreneurial skills, academic excellence, and student services.

Dr. Olu Q. Menjay emphasized that one of his primary objectives is to enhance students’ brain development, entrepreneurship skills, academic excellence, and student services. The aim is to provide success and achieve lasting results. He highlighted the importance of active participation in public service to transform the narrative of Tubman University from being seen as a second-tier public school to becoming the leading institution in human capacity building and development across the Southeastern region of Liberia.

In line with this commitment, Menjay awarded scholarships to three students to pursue their master's degrees, with two students going to Accra, Ghana, and another to Cuttington University Graduate School in Monrovia. Additionally, Tubman University has signed a substantial grant of US$100,000 to establish a practical center for the College of Agriculture, which includes the donation of a tractor to support agricultural education and research.

Adding to the discourse, former Tubman University president, Professor Emeritus Dr. D. Elliott Wreh Wilson, stated that the faculty plays a critical role in the university’s success as they impart knowledge to the students. He emphasized the importance of research and writing skills for faculty members, noting that those who cannot engage in research should not be in the classroom.

Speaking on behalf of the Tubman University Faculty Association, TUFA president Professor Momolu T. Ware regarded the appointment of Dr. Menjay as a new beginning. He encouraged Dr. Menjay not to replicate the actions of his predecessors, signaling hope for positive changes under his leadership. The convocation saw ‌341 students graduating across the university’s six colleges.