Liberia: ‘Tubman University Is A Symbol of Liberia’s Resilience After War’ — Says MFDP Minister Ngafuan

HARPER, Maryland County — The Minister of the Ministry Finance and Development Planning(MFDP), Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has described William V.S. Tubman University as a symbol of Liberia’s resilience, saying the institution’s history demonstrates that a nation can emerge from the wounds of war without surrendering its future.

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By Peter P. Toe, Jr., [email protected]

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Minister Ngafuan, who served as keynote speaker at the university’s 17th Founders’ Day Celebration in Harper City on Monday, September 14, said the occasion was about more than marking another anniversary.

He said Tubman University represents an institution that survived Liberia’s civil conflict, was rebuilt after years of destruction and continues to develop minds and contribute to the country’s future.

“Tubman University is one of the clearest proofs that a nation can be wounded without surrendering the future,” Minister Ngafuan stated.

According to the Minister, the university’s history reflects a journey from vision, through war and destruction, to restoration and renewed commitment to excellence.

He said Harper and Maryland County remember the devastation of Liberia’s civil war, but also demonstrate the ability of communities and institutions to rise again.

“Harper remembers how to rise. Liberia remembers how to rise,” the MFDP Minister asserted, stressing that Tubman University stands as a reminder of the country’s determination to rebuild.

The Minister used the occasion to honor individuals and institutions that contributed to the establishment and development of the university.

He recalled the people of Maryland County who donated land in honor of former President William V.S. Tubman.

Minister Ngafuan also recognized former President William R. Tolbert Jr., under whose leadership the William V.S. Tubman Technical College was established and opened in 1978.

He commended the administrators, faculty members, students and workers whose contributions helped establish the institution’s reputation over the years.

The MFDP boss further recognized former President Ellen Johnson- Sirleaf, whose administration made the rebuilding of the institution part of Liberia’s post-war recovery efforts.

He also highlighted the contribution of Dr. Elizabeth Davis-Russell, crediting her determination with helping transform a damaged college into a comprehensive university.

Minister Ngafuan said the development of Tubman University demonstrates that quality higher education should not be limited to Monrovia.

“We honor all who refused to accept that quality higher education must stop in Monrovia,” he intimated.

He also commended the university’s current Board of Trustees, President Dr. Olu Menjay, faculty members and administrators for continuing to carry forward the institution’s mission.

The Minister said the Founders’ Day Celebration should not only be an occasion to remember the institution’s past but also an opportunity to renew commitments toward its future.

“So today we remember and then we recommit,” Minister Ngafuan added.

The 17th Founders’ Day Celebration brought together university administrators, faculty, students, government officials, alumni and other stakeholders in Harper to reflect on the institution’s history and its role in Liberia’s post-war development.