INDIA – The growing academic partnership between the University of Liberia and Sharda University in India continues to produce tangible results, with eighteen Liberian students earning degrees during Sharda University’s International Graduation Convocation held on June 20, 2026, in Greater Noida, India.

The graduates, comprising four women and fourteen men, completed studies in a wide range of disciplines, including Cyber Security and Big Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Environmental Sciences, Economics, Food Science and Technology, Biotechnology, Sociology, Supply Chain Management, English, Chemistry, and Water Resource and Environmental Management.

The ceremony, held at Sharda University’s campus in Knowledge Park III near New Delhi, brought together university officials, diplomats, government representatives, members of the Liberian community in India, and families of the graduates to celebrate the academic achievements of the Class of 2026.

The latest graduation milestone further strengthens the educational relationship between the University of Liberia and Sharda University. Since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions in 2022, twelve University of Liberia-sponsored students have earned master’s degrees from Sharda University, contributing to more than fifty Liberian graduates produced through the partnership over the past several years.

Liberian students currently represent the second-largest foreign student population at Sharda University, behind only Nigerian students. The institution hosts students from ninety-eight countries and is recognized as one of India’s leading destinations for international education.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Associate Professor Dr. Josephus M. Gray, Dean of the Amos C. Sawyer College of Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Liberia, praised the educational partnership and described the graduates’ achievements as a powerful example of the benefits of investing in human capacity development.

“The future of Liberia depends on developing skilled professionals who can contribute meaningfully to our institutions, communities, and national development,” Dr. Gray said. “These graduates represent the success of international academic cooperation and the transformative power of education.”

Among the graduates were four students sponsored by the University of Liberia. They included Ms. Rosaline Joseph, President of the 2026 Graduation Class, who earned a Master of Science degree in Water Resource and Environmental Management. A graduate of the University of Liberia’s College of Engineering with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology, Joseph was among the students recognized for academic excellence during the ceremony.

Other University of Liberia-sponsored graduates included Benedict S. Paye Jr., who obtained a Master of Science degree in Food Science and Technology; Varfee J.M. Dukuly, who earned a Master of Science degree in Economics; and Prince Zinnah, who graduated with a Master of Science degree in Cyber Security and Big Data Analytics.

The graduation ceremony also highlighted the success of two employees of Grand Kru Technical College, William S.H. Doe and Robert G. Nyemah, who earned master’s degrees after receiving scholarships secured during Dr. Gray’s tenure as Acting President of the institution.

Doe graduated with a Master of Business Administration in Banking and Finance, while Nyemah earned a Master of Science degree in Environmental Sciences.

Reflecting on their educational journey, Dr. Gray acknowledged that their pursuit of higher education was not without challenges. He revealed that efforts were made by some individuals to question their enrollment and scholarship opportunities, while criticism was directed at those who supported their studies.

Despite the opposition, Dr. Gray said he remained convinced that both men possessed the potential to make meaningful contributions to Grand Kru Technical College and Liberia.

“Despite the criticisms and obstacles, I maintained confidence in their abilities and in the value of investing in their education,” Dr. Gray stated. “Today, their success demonstrates that when opportunities are provided, Liberians can excel anywhere in the world.”

He cautioned against attitudes that undermine educational advancement and professional growth, warning that efforts to discourage capable individuals ultimately weaken institutions and slow national progress.

“If we continue to undermine the development of our own people, we risk limiting the growth of our institutions and our nation,” Dr. Gray said. “Liberia’s progress depends on supporting those who have the knowledge, skills, and commitment to contribute to the country’s advancement.”

Representing University of Liberia President Dr. Layli Maparyan, who was unable to attend due to prior commitments, Dr. Gray delivered congratulatory remarks on behalf of the university leadership.

He praised the graduates for their resilience, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence, noting that their achievements brought pride not only to their families but also to the institutions that supported them throughout their educational journeys.

“The University of Liberia is proud of your accomplishments,” Dr. Gray told the graduates. “You have demonstrated determination, discipline, and excellence, and your success reflects positively on your families, your communities, and your country.”

Dr. Gray also conveyed President Maparyan’s desire to meet the graduates upon their return to Liberia in order to personally congratulate them and discuss ways in which their newly acquired expertise can contribute to national development and the continued growth of the University of Liberia.

The graduates expressed gratitude to President Maparyan, the University of Liberia administration, former university leaders, and all those who contributed to their academic success. They reaffirmed their commitment to using their knowledge and skills to support the development of Liberia’s educational institutions and broader society.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Education for Instruction Amos Fulley, senior university officials, diplomats, members of the Liberian community in India, and representatives of Sharda University led by Dr. Ashok Daryani, International President of the Sharda Group of Companies and Sharda University.

Dr. Gray and Deputy Minister Fulley joined university authorities and international dignitaries in conferring degrees and academic honors upon the graduating Class of 2026.

Beyond participating in the graduation activities, Dr. Gray used his visit to India to strengthen academic collaboration between Liberian and Indian scholars. He disclosed that he is currently involved in a joint scholarly project titled “Bridging Continents: India-Liberia’s Governance and Development Partnership” while also supervising doctoral research at Sharda University.

As the graduates prepare to return home or advance their professional careers, their achievements serve as a testament to the growing impact of international educational partnerships. For Dr. Gray and other education advocates, the graduation of eighteen Liberians from one of India’s leading international universities demonstrates that strategic investments in education remain among Liberia’s most effective tools for building human capacity, strengthening institutions, and advancing national development.