Fendall, Montserrado County – Foreign Minister Gbezongar Milton Finley has called on the administration of the University of Liberia “to do more” in improving its facility as a way of promoting a conducive learning environment.
Report by Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]
Minister Finley told a gathering at the dedication of the pre-clinical dormitory Thursday, that “providing training is not the only option for instruction”; however, he also stressed that this will “create a conducive environment for learning”.
He continued: “We must have a favorable learning environment for students. In the absence of that the performance of those students cannot be guarantee. This is a manifestation of the work of Liberians who foresee the future including living, working and training.
In the absence of conducive learning atmosphere, students will not be able to learn properly, he added.
As part of his suggestions to the state run university for improvement, the Foreign Affairs Minister called for the development of the institution 5,000 acres of land in Fendall. He is recommending agriculture and other activities on the land.
He said the dedication of the pre-clinical medical facility at the UL Fendall Campus on Thursday, is a clear exemplary of the university willingness to improve its learning environment, but urged them to do more.
The project is estimated at US$2.45 Million and was funded by the World Bank.
The center, according to UL administration, intends to relocate the AM Dogliotti College of Medicines from its current location to Fendall.
The project will see the construction of two well-furnished 48-bedroom dormitories, two fully furnished classroom and one furnished skills laboratory.
Minister Finley noted that the facility will put Liberia in a position to work towards reaching international health standard by producing doctors that will help improve Liberia’s health delivery system.
“We must accomplish the dreamer’s vision. I have had personal experience, where you have work and when the time comes for the usage of those facilities, your name are not mentioned,” he recognized President Sirleaf and former Health Minister Bernice Dahn effort to ensure that the facility becomes successful
While he encouraged the university to do more, the Liberian Foreign Affairs Minister pledged government commitment deliver Liberians from several challenges, including healthcare.
Findley also re-echoed President Weah commitment to transform the University of Liberia to ensure academic excellence.
“We cannot overemphasize the government’s commitment in training young Liberians in all field of discipline. This is why President Weah has taken a key decision in providing free tuition for students at UL,” he said.
Minister Finley challenged medical instructors of the university to be custodians of the facility.
University of Liberia President Dr. Ophelia Inez Weeks noted that the project faces several obstacles, but added that the collective efforts of staffs at the UL made it possible.
Dr. Weeks said the project, which started November 27, 2017, was implemented squarely by Liberians contractors.
She lauded the World Bank for the funds, noting the contribution is significant to improving learning condition at the institution.
For her part, World Bank Liberia Country Manager Larisa Leshchenko noted that the project is the World Bank’s own way of strengthening the learning environment of the medical school and enhancing the health workforce and the improvement of healthcare services in Liberia.
“A comprehensive assessment of training institution conducted by the Ministry of Health in 2015, noted the poor learning environment and living conditions, which contribute to low enrollment and high attrition of medical students,” Madam Leshchenko said.
She said the challenges are unstable electricity and internet, lack of skills laboratory to learn through hands-on practice, and overcrowded dormitories with no desk of table for studying. Hence, the importance of this project to address these bottlenecks was necessary.”