Liberia: Dr. Obiasogu Says He Established Kings and Queens University College to Contribute to Society

Monrovia – A new institution, Kings and Queens University (KQU) College, has been established in Liberia to enhance the educational opportunities for the country’s citizens and residents. Located in the Prosper community in Upper Caldwell, Montserrado County, KQU aims to combine academic and vocational programs, providing a comprehensive education

Professor Israel C. Obiasogu, PhD, the founder and president of Kings and Queens University College, explained that his goal in establishing the university is to contribute to Liberian society by addressing educational gaps with the extensive experience he has amassed over the years.

Professor Obiasogu stated, “At Kings and Queens University College, we have combined academic programs with technical or vocational programs. This is unique because our university offers an interdisciplinary approach. For instance, if you major in Sociology, you will also take electives in vocational areas such as interior decoration or cosmetology. This ensures that graduates who may not find employment in their major field can still utilize the vocational skills they have acquired.”

By 2026, Professor Obiasogu emphasized, every university in Liberia should offer employability skills, which could help students become employers. He noted that many universities in Liberia lack these programs, but Kings and Queens University College has incorporated them into their curriculum, which he believes will significantly increase employment in both the public and private sectors.

KQU offers Bachelor of Science degrees in fields such as electrical engineering, building construction, medical laboratory science, liberal arts, sociology, criminal justice, monitoring and evaluation, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, the university provides education programs covering primary and secondary levels.

Furthermore, Kings and Queens University College offers certificate and diploma programs in areas like plumbing, electricity, building construction, fashion design, and catering. Certificate programs last for six months, while diploma programs last for one year.

Professor Obiasogu also highlighted the introduction of inclusive education at KQU, which encompasses individuals with disabilities and those who have not had previous schooling. The university has designed a system that admits these individuals into executive programs in plumbing, tailoring, and cosmetology, awarding them certificates upon completion.

“Students enrolled in our inclusive education courses will receive certificates after six months or diplomas after one year, depending on their program. Kings and Queens University College is dedicated to improving education for people from all sectors of our society,” he stressed.

The four-year degree programs at KQU are divided into two categories. Students who complete the first two years will receive an Associate Degree (AA) before continuing to earn their full university degrees—either a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Arts (BA)—after completing the remaining two years.

“Our decision to provide AA degrees after the first two years is to help students secure employment while they continue their studies for their full university degrees. This approach supports them financially and academically,” Professor Obiasogu noted.

Kings and Queens University College was established in October 2022 and has completed its first semester. Registration for the second semester is ongoing, with classes scheduled to start in September 2024. Professor Obiasogu is encouraging parents and residents of Bushrod Island, Brewerville, Johnsonville, and Gardnerville who are seeking university education to consider Kings and Queens University College for a quality education close to home.