Published: February 4, 2026
By Henry N. Kolenky
Harper, Maryland County — The President of Tubman University (TU), Dr. Olu Q. Menjay, has disclosed the receipt of a major academic donation from Mercer University in Georgia, United States, describing it as a milestone achievement that will significantly enhance teaching, learning, and administrative operations at the institution.
Addressing a press conference Tuesday at his office, Dr. Menjay explained that the donation was made possible through a long-standing academic and professional relationship he has maintained with Mercer University for more than three decades. Dr. Menjay said he was a student at Mercer University over 30 years ago and continued to maintain close ties with the institution even after graduation.
He later served as an assistant professor with Mercer University while residing in Liberia, strengthening the bond between the two institutions. According to him, recent discussions with Mercer University’s outgoing President, Bill Honour Woods, resulted in the donation of surplus academic and instructional materials to Tubman University. The items were shipped from the United States. “The items were given to us free of charge through the Office of the President of Mercer University,” Dr. Menjay stated, adding that the condition of the road from the seaport to Harper has greatly improved compared to previous years, making the transportation seamless.
Some of the donated materials include microscopes, computers, speakers, flat-screen televisions, student desks, armchairs, office furniture, and several other academic supplies. Dr. Menjay expressed excitement over the donation, noting that it will go a long way in improving the university’s operations and learning environment. He explained that Tubman University is competing with other universities across Liberia for limited financial resources and must therefore remain innovative and strategic. “We are competing for the same dollars, and most of our government budgetary allotment goes directly to salaries,” he said. “As a result, we have to be creative in finding alternative means to keep the university on track.”
Dr. Menjay said the arrival of the supplies brought visible excitement across the campus and beyond. He noted that many people had doubted the effort until the container arrived, but jubilation was evident among staff and students when it was finally delivered.
He praised the leadership and team at Mercer University for their strong support and also commended the staff of Tubman University for working diligently to ensure the successful transportation and clearance of the container.
Distribution of the materials began immediately, with items already placed in smart classrooms and offices across the campus. “This is not something for us to keep in storage,” Dr. Menjay said. “I am glad that our facilities team, through the administration office, has already started distribution.”
He said Tubman University is also expanding its international academic partnerships. “Discussions are underway with the University of Johannesburg in South Africa, while talks initiated late last year with institutions in Jiangsu Province, China—home to more than 175 universities—are continuing.” Additionally, Dr. Menjay recently visited Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, where he held discussions with one of the largest French polytechnic institutions on potential academic collaboration. “These engagements are meant to test the academic strength of our programs and ensure that our students can compete successfully in the global academic market,” he said, expressing confidence in the quality of education being delivered at Tubman University.
Looking ahead, TU’s President said the university will continue to advance its four strategic priorities: academic excellence, student success, institutional prestige, and innovation.
He pointed out that plans are underway to introduce new programs, including critical care in the health sector and entrepreneurship. Menjay also disclosed that there is an ongoing infrastructure development, including a multipurpose building that will house a university store, a mini-gym, and an entertainment center. He reaffirmed that Tubman University under his leadership will experience positive transformation.
He highlighted the institution’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, emphasizing unity as a core value. The experienced educator urged students to remain focused on their studies, assuring them that the university will continue to create opportunities for their success. The university recorded its largest enrollment interest last year since its establishment as Tubman College (TC) and later Tubman University (TU), with more than 1,000 applicants seeking admission.
However, only about 700 students were admitted due to limited space. To address this challenge, Dr. Menjay announced that construction of the long-awaited engineering building is nearing completion. He also disclosed that discussions are ongoing with government authorities and other stakeholders to explore the construction of additional lecture theaters. “With all these developments, the days ahead are exciting for Tubman University,” he noted, concluding, “We have no option but to succeed.”
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