Published: July 22, 2026
FESSIBU TOWN, Lofa County – Lofa County University (LCU) has officially launched Annex-1 in Fessibu Town, Zorzor District, expanding access to affordable higher education and bringing university education closer to thousands of young people in Lofa and neighboring counties.
The launch follows the May 2026 transfer of the former Change Agent Network University to Lofa County University, a move officials say will significantly strengthen public higher education in the region.
The ceremony attracted senior government officials, local authorities, traditional leaders, women and youth groups, students and residents from Zorzor, Salayea and surrounding communities.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Local Government Francis Sakila Nyumalin described the new annex as a major milestone in the government’s efforts to expand quality, accessible and affordable higher education across Liberia.
He said the campus would provide new opportunities for students who have been unable to pursue university education because of financial constraints and long travel distances.
“This is not merely an investment in infrastructure; it is an investment in Liberia’s human capital,” Nyumalin said, adding that the annex will also benefit students from neighboring Bong and Gbarpolu counties.
As a show of support, the minister donated 200 bags of cement toward ongoing construction and pledged to lead a fundraising campaign to mobilize additional resources for the university.
Representing Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Assistant Minister for Budget Sarah M. Mulbah praised the university’s leadership for expanding educational opportunities in rural Liberia.
She disclosed that government funding for the education sector has increased from approximately US$90 million in 2023 to more than US$145 million in 2026, and assured the university that its request for increased budgetary support would receive consideration during preparations for the 2027 national budget.
Lofa County University President Dr. Isaac P. Podah said the establishment of Annex-1 followed repeated appeals from residents of Zorzor and Salayea seeking greater access to higher education.
He revealed that the administration of Change Agent Network University agreed to transfer the institution to the Government of Liberia through LCU, with proprietor Eric Woiwor donating facilities valued at more than US$400,000.
Dr. Podah described the launch as the beginning of a broader effort to expand the university’s infrastructure, strengthen academic programs and ensure that no qualified Liberian is denied higher education because of geography or financial hardship.
He disclosed that more than 500 students are expected to enroll at the new campus during the next academic semester and appealed to the government, development partners and citizens to continue supporting the institution.
The opening of Annex-1 marks one of the most significant expansions in the history of Lofa County University and is expected to improve access to higher education for thousands of students across Lofa and neighboring counties.
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