At least 300 graduates of the Cuttington University in Suakoko District, Bong County, have been challenged to help Government in its strive to transform and improve the wellbeing of the Liberian people.
In his speech at the 59th Commencement Convocation of the Cuttington University, CU) President,. Dr. Herman B. Browne, said following a period of professional studies at a tertiary institution, as men and women walking away with Associate and Undergraduate Degrees in various disciplines, the graduates must “now go and showcase the skills” they have acquired to the outside world.
The students, including the Dux of the 59th Class Zayzay Wolobah, who obtained a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree in Chemistry with a cash award of US$1,000, was among others who also obtained Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees, among others.
Dr. Browne disclosed that 500 acres of land has been secured by the university for agricultural purposes, adding that the effort has attracted the partnership of a French Group of Companies to help agriculture students at the school practice while they are studying their courses.
According to the CU president, the Nursing Board of Liberia has issued a certificate to the institution, and that 90 students from the Nursing Department were among the over 300 graduates with the first batch of 10 Physician Assistants (PA).
Meanwhile, Dr. Browne has lamented that his administration inherited the total debt in the amount of US$2.6 million which, according to him, made it difficult to implement school projects and pay staff salaries on time.
Dr. Browne maintained that despite the numerous challenges being faced by the school, a cold storage construction project is currently being implemented by his administration at the graduate school in Montserrado County.
Several graduates, including a female highest grade point average award winner Darwosu Dorbor, Agriculture Award winner, Vasco Peah, and Theology Student Award winner Kelvin Thomas, benefited from cash awards during the program in the tone of US$50 to US$1,000.00.
In remarks, some of the graduates, including the award winners, promised to apply the knowledge they have acquired over the years for national growth and development.
Serving as guest speaker at the program, former Vice President Joseph Nyumah Boakai called on central government to allocate 20% of the national budget towards education.
Speaking on the topic: “Quality Education, An Offspring Of Good Governance,”
Ambassador Boakai noted that in order to attract investors into the country, government must prioritize education to prepare young people who will stand ready to collaborate with incoming investors.
The former Vice President, who was awarded a honorary Doctorate Degree by the University, said government needs to take the necessary steps to strengthen the link between higher education and the job market so as to enhance economic growth.
He also reminded the graduates about using the skills they have acquired in the best interest of promoting national growth and development.
According to him, the roles and responsibilities of government in the education and other sectors cannot be underestimated by anyone.
“As you go into the larger society, you must be a good role model and avoid misusing public properties which has the propensity to deplete our resources”, he said.
During the 59th graduation convocation of the university, one student graduated from the Department of Peace and Development studies, one from the Theology Department, 12 from the Liberal Arts Department, 16 from the Department of Public Administration, while 18 students graduated from the Department of Accounting,15 from the Department of Education and 96 from the Department of Nursing.
The institution is expected to put out several graduate with Master Degrees and Advanced Diplomas in professional studies by April 17 this year.
Cuttington University was established on February 22, 1889 in Maryland County, Republic of Liberia as the first private university in the country.
