Published: September 30, 2024
MONROVIA – Starz University, one of Liberia’s leading higher learning institutions licensed by the National Commission on Higher Education, has formally launched its newest program offering a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Cybersecurity, set to begin in 2025.
The launch of the program on Friday, September 27, 2024, at the university’s campus in Monrovia brought together key national stakeholders and authorities from the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE), the Liberia National Police (LNP), the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), and the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), among others.
Giving an overview and executive summary of the program, the Founder and Board Chair of Starz University, Ambassador Latim Da-Thong, emphasized the university’s commitment to addressing the cybersecurity skills gap by proposing the integration of the BSc in Cybersecurity degree program.
He stated that this initiative seeks to build a highly trained workforce capable of mitigating cyber risks, strengthening digital resilience, and responding to the increasing threats facing both the public and private sectors in Liberia.
“As Liberia continues to evolve in the digital age, the need for robust and proactive cybersecurity measures has become increasingly critical,” Amb. Da-Thong noted, adding that cyber threats are growing in both scale and complexity, posing significant risks to businesses, governments, financial institutions, and individuals.
He added that the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been greater, from protecting sensitive data to securing national digital infrastructure.
Ambassador Da-Thong, who is the immediate former Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Education, indicated that the proposed cybersecurity degree program will focus on delivering a comprehensive curriculum combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience.
He outlined key areas of study, including Cyber Threats and Vulnerabilities, Network Security, Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing, Digital Forensics, Data Protection and Privacy, Compliance, and Cyber Law. Ambassador Da-Thong also said the program’s goals include developing skilled cybersecurity professionals, strengthening national cybersecurity infrastructure, enhancing public safety and national security, promoting economic growth through cyber defense, and encouraging innovation and research.
He further stated that the proposed BSc in Cybersecurity program will be designed for high school graduates, IT professionals, and government and private sector employees.
The renowned educator, who has taught in the United States, Liberia, and other parts of the world, and has over 20 years of experience in the education field, recounted that in recent years, the global landscape has witnessed a surge in cyberattacks targeting various sectors, including financial institutions, government offices, NGOs, and private enterprises.
He noted that Liberia is not immune to these threats, adding that the country’s growing reliance on digital systems highlights the urgent need to fortify cybersecurity defenses.
“However, there is a significant gap in the availability of skilled cybersecurity professionals within the country. This gap poses a severe risk to Liberia’s economic growth, governance, and the protection of sensitive information. As a leading institution of higher learning, Starz University is positioned to address this gap by launching a dedicated Cybersecurity degree program,” Ambassador Da-Thong said.
He also stated that the proposed Cybersecurity degree program will focus on education and training, workforce development, research and innovation, and community engagement, as its strategic importance emphasizes national security, economic stability, and global competitiveness.
In addition, Ambassador Da-Thong indicated that Starz University is seeking to collaborate with key stakeholders, including financial institutions, to garner support through scholarships, internships, and funding for the development of state-of-the-art cybersecurity labs.
He extended partnership invitations to government offices to collaborate on curriculum development, policy research, and offering internships or employment opportunities for graduates.
The Starz University leader further mentioned partnerships with non-governmental organizations for outreach programs to educate the broader public on cybersecurity awareness and best practices. “We also welcome heads of foreign missions to facilitate international collaborations, exchanges, and funding opportunities to enhance the program’s global relevance and reach,” he added.
He stressed that the integration of a Cybersecurity degree program at Starz University represents far more than an academic pursuit; it is a strategic and transformative initiative aimed at securing Liberia’s digital future. “Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue but a critical aspect of national security, economic growth, and societal stability,” he emphasized.
This initiative was warmly embraced by the national stakeholders attending the ceremony, who described it as timely and essential for addressing the cyber risks encountered daily by various professional institutions. “Cyber threats are very alarming, and as a country, we are way behind. We came here today to express our commitment and support for this endeavor,” said Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Mr. Gregory O. W. Coleman.
Mr. Coleman also stressed the need to sign a memorandum of understanding with Starz University to advance the training of administrators and officers within the police force. “As this program rolls out, we can have the entire staff here working with you at the national level to gain some experience, because if there were any cyberattack today, we would have absolutely no control,” he explained.
The event also featured remarks from representatives of the LRA, CBL, and the National Commission on Higher Education, among others, who pledged their commitment to building strong collaborations with the university.
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