MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalizing higher education by announcing a US$6 million allocation for renovation projects at the University of Liberia, while also making a personal donation of US$50,000 to support a proposed student-led research laboratory. The announcement was made on Friday, February 27, 2026, during the University’s 105th Commencement Convocation for Graduate and Professional Schools at its Fendall Campus in Montserrado County.
Addressing members of the Board of Trustees, the University’s administration, lawmakers of the 55th Legislature, Cabinet officials, faculty, and the Graduating Class of 2025, President Boakai described the ceremony as a significant milestone in the institution’s storied history and in Liberia’s intellectual advancement. He praised the University community for keeping alive its historic motto, “Lux in Tenebris,” meaning Light in Darkness.
“It is a pleasure to be here today as we celebrate the 105th Commencement Convocation,” the President said, congratulating the administration and students for successfully organizing what he described as a complex academic exercise. He noted that balancing the rigor of graduate and professional programs is no small achievement and commended the institution for sustaining academic excellence.
Turning to national development, Boakai emphasized that his government is determined to move beyond maintaining the status quo. “We are not content to maintain the status quo. We are driven by a national momentum for significant transformation,” he declared. He stressed that the University of Liberia remains the country’s flagship institution and a gateway to middle-class opportunities for thousands of young Liberians.
The President underscored that meaningful transformation requires investment. He revealed that the Fiscal Year 2026 national budget includes over six million United States dollars for ongoing renovation and modernization efforts across the University. According to him, students deserve facilities that reflect the seriousness of their academic ambitions and the dignity of their aspirations.
However, Boakai cautioned that infrastructure alone would not restore the University’s global competitiveness. “Strong institutions are built on strong systems,” he said, urging the University’s leadership to reinforce accountability in academic, administrative, financial, and disciplinary operations. “Excellence is never accidental. It is the product of discipline, integrity, and the courage to uphold standards,” he added.
As an alumnus of the institution, President Boakai also called for a revitalized and more engaged Alumni Association. He pointed out that globally, strong alumni networks play pivotal roles in expanding professional opportunities for graduates and mobilizing resources for institutional growth. He encouraged alumni to organize, reconnect, and recommit themselves to supporting their alma mater.
On student activism, the President acknowledged the University’s historic reputation as a breeding ground for democratic consciousness and national debate. While describing that legacy as valuable, he emphasized the need for responsibility and constructive engagement. “Let this campus remain a marketplace of ideas and a citadel of innovation and advancement, not a battleground of conflict,” he urged, noting that true leadership is demonstrated through reason and discipline.
Boakai expressed particular admiration for the Graduating Class Leadership’s proposal to construct a modern Research Laboratory aimed at strengthening innovation and practical learning. He described the initiative as forward-looking and aligned with Liberia’s development priorities, stating that it represents “the kind of leadership Liberia needs.”
In a symbolic gesture of support, the President announced an initial personal contribution of US$50,000 toward the Research Laboratory Project. He clarified that the funds were drawn from savings accumulated through his voluntary salary reduction. “We will continue to spread my salary reduction savings to support meaningful and impactful projects in our country,” he assured the audience.
Concluding his address, President Boakai challenged the graduates to uphold integrity and prioritize national interest as they step into professional life. “Be the leaders who prioritize governance over greed and vision over vintage,” he urged. He closed with a patriotic call for the graduates to “Think Liberia, Love Liberia, and Build Liberia,” invoking blessings upon the University and the Republic.
