By James T. Brooks
MONROVIA – In what is being hailed as a transformative moment for Liberian higher education, the National Port Authority (NPA) has stepped forward to address the systemic infrastructural decay at the nation’s premier academic institution. Under the visionary leadership of Managing Director Hon. Sekou Hussein Dukuly, the NPA has officially launched a bold US$1 million fundraising campaign designed to breathe new life into the University of Liberia (UL).
The initiative, themed “Coming Together to Revitalize UL,” serves as a direct and urgent response to years of neglect that have left the campus infrastructure in a state of severe decline. This is not merely a symbolic gesture of support, but rather a targeted, high-impact intervention aimed at restoring the dignity of the learning environment for both students and faculty alike.
At the heart of this “Concrete Plan for Change” are several critical priorities that seek to eliminate the most visible barriers to academic success. A significant portion of the funds will be dedicated to the procurement of 30,000 new armchairs, ensuring that no student is ever again forced to stand or sit on the floor during lectures. Furthermore, the campaign will finance the comprehensive rehabilitation of dilapidated classrooms and the urgent repair of failing bathroom facilities across the campus, prioritizing the health, safety, and comfort of the university community.
The official launch, held at the University of Liberia’s Capitol Hill Campus Auditorium, was a powerful demonstration of national unity. Hon. Dukuly described the effort as a “collaborative national undertaking,” one that bridges the gap between the public and private sectors. The event drew together an impressive coalition of senior government officials, business executives, and development partners, including key stakeholders like APM Terminals. Their presence signaled a collective recognition that the university’s success is inextricably linked to the nation’s progress.
During his keynote address, Hon. Dukuly emphasized that this fundraising drive reflects a profound commitment to social responsibility and national development. He reminded those in attendance that an investment in the University of Liberia is, at its core, a strategic investment in the country’s future workforce. By improving the halls where Liberia’s next generation of leaders are trained, the NPA and its partners are securing the long-term prosperity of the entire nation.
As the University of Liberia has historically struggled with overcrowding and deteriorating facilities, this move by the NPA sets a significant new precedent. It demonstrates how state-owned enterprises can effectively leverage their influence and partnerships to tackle the most pressing social challenges of the day. For the student body, the initiative represents more than just new furniture or repaired walls; it is a tangible sign of hope that the university’s motto, Lux in Tenebris—Light in Darkness—will continue to shine brightly for generations to come.