JOHNSONVILLE – Over 700 graduates of LICOSSES College of Education were urged to uphold excellence and lead with integrity during the college’s 26th “C” Certificate, 21st “A” Certificate, and 2nd Bachelor’s Degree Program convocation ceremony held at the Liberty Christian Center in Johnsonville.
Serving as the guest speaker, Liberian peace activist and Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee addressed the theme, “Beating Back Laziness and Embracing Excellence.” In her powerful speech, Gbowee emphasized the need to address shortcomings in Liberia’s education system and called for an urgent shift in priorities.
“We do not celebrate excellence in Liberia today,” Gbowee remarked, highlighting how negative mindsets often dominate national discourse.
“This is evidence of the level of leadership we have had and the people we look up to. To beat laziness and embrace excellence, we need open conversations about education in Liberia and find ways to address the challenges we face,” she added.
Gbowee also stressed the importance of educating students about Liberia’s full history, including painful chapters such as the 14 years of civil war. She pointed out that understanding the past is crucial for charting a successful future, noting, “If we fail to know where we are coming from, we will not know where we are going.”
Emphasizing the role of education in shaping Liberia’s future, Gbowee cited the nation’s abundant human potential. “Liberia has some of the brightest minds in Africa, but the opportunity to showcase them is lacking,” she noted. She urged the graduates to embrace their roles not only as educators but also as leaders tasked with shaping future generations and creating a more just and peaceful society.
Bong County District Representative Moima Briggs Mensah reinforced Gbowee’s message by emphasizing the transformative role teachers play in their communities.
“You have been called today to teach and lead. Teaching is about building relationships and mentorship, which is intended to sharpen the brightest minds. You are also a leader. It is your responsibility to inspire others, engage with parents, and drive positive change in your schools and communities,” Mensah said.
“Know that you are teaching future leaders, no matter where you are sent to teach. Your role is to prepare leaders in every part of Liberia, not just Monrovia.”
In his remarks, Dr. Benjamin Y. Wehye, President of LICOSSES College of Education, celebrated the achievements of the graduates and highlighted the institution’s continuous commitment to excellence. He shared the college’s strides in academic growth, including the introduction of new standardized courses, infrastructure development, and a focus on digital transformation.
The college has seen notable advancements such as a nearly completed four-story building and new projects in various counties, including Geamga in Bong County and Gompa in Nimba County. Dr. Wehye also noted the introduction of biometric attendance to ensure faculty accountability and the development of innovative programs like the Students’ Plan of Study initiative, which empowers teacher aspirants with academic guidance.
“We are committed to empowering our graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the education field. You are now ambassadors of this institution and advocates for educational excellence,” Dr. Wehye stated.
He further congratulated the graduates for passing the WAEC-administered tests in their areas of specialization, underscoring the rigorous standards LICOSSES maintains to ensure their preparedness for the profession.
As the ceremony concluded, graduates, faculty, and attendees departed with a renewed sense of responsibility to drive positive change in Liberia’s education system and broader society. The day stood as a celebration of academic excellence, social responsibility, and the transformative power of education.
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