Johnsonville – More than 700 graduates of LICOSSES College of Education have been urged to lead with integrity and strive for excellence during the institution’s 26th “C” Certificate, 21st “A” Certificate, and 2nd Bachelor’s Degree Program convocation ceremony, held at the Liberty Christian Center in Johnsonville.
By Willie N. Tokpah, [email protected]
As the keynote speaker, Nobel Laureate and peace activist Leymah Gbowee addressed the theme, “Beating Back Laziness and Embracing Excellence.” In her address, Gbowee highlighted the need to tackle the shortcomings in Liberia’s education system and emphasized the importance of fostering excellence.
“We do not celebrate excellence in Liberia today,” Gbowee remarked, noting the prevalence of negative mindsets in the country’s national discourse. “To beat laziness and embrace excellence, we need open conversations about education in Liberia and find ways to address the mess we find ourselves in,” she added.
Gbowee also stressed the need for a comprehensive understanding of Liberia’s history, including the painful chapters of the 14 years of civil war, in order to pave the way for a better future. “If we fail to know where we are coming from, we will not know where we are going,” she stated.
In her speech, Gbowee also highlighted Liberia’s untapped potential, urging the graduates to recognize their roles as educators and leaders in shaping the nation’s future. “Liberia has some of the brightest minds in Africa, but the opportunity to showcase them is lacking,” she said.
Bong County District Representative Moima Briggs Mensah echoed Gbowee’s message, emphasizing the transformative power of teaching. “You have been called today to teach and lead,” Mensah said. “Teaching is about building relationships and mentorship. You are also a leader, and it is your responsibility to inspire others and drive positive change.”
Mensah encouraged the graduates to empower their students and lead by example, stressing the importance of preparing future leaders across the country, not just in Monrovia.
Dr. Benjamin Y. Wehye, President of LICOSSES College of Education, celebrated the graduates’ achievements and highlighted the institution’s commitment to academic excellence. He pointed to the college’s growth in academic offerings, infrastructure, and digital transformation, including new courses, a nearly completed four-story building, and the introduction of biometric attendance for faculty accountability.
“We are committed to empowering our graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the education field,” Dr. Wehye stated. “You are now ambassadors of this institution and advocates for educational excellence.”
Dr. Wehye also congratulated the graduates for passing the WAEC-administered tests in their areas of specialization, underscoring the rigorous standards LICOSSES upholds.
Support Independent Journalism
Your support helps FrontPage Africa continue delivering independent, credible, and impactful journalism. Every contribution strengthens our ability to investigate, inform, and hold power accountable while keeping quality journalism accessible to our readers.
Support our journalism or subscribe to receive the latest FrontPage Africa stories and updates.
