HARPER, Maryland County — William V.S. Tubman University (TU) has received a 40-foot container of academic and administrative supplies from Mercer University in Georgia, United States, in a move expected to significantly strengthen teaching, learning, and day-to-day operations at the institution.
By Peter P. Toe, Jr.
The shipment arrived on Monday, February 2, 2026, and contains hundreds of student desks and armchairs, microscopes, computers, speakers, flat-screen televisions, office furniture, and other instructional materials.
Speaking to journalists at his office, Tubman University President, Dr. Olu Q. Manjay, said the donation will help address long-standing challenges related to classroom seating, access to modern teaching tools, and administrative efficiency.
“This support will directly enhance the learning environment for our students and improve the working conditions for faculty and staff,” Dr. Manjay said.
He explained that the donation was facilitated through a professional and academic relationship he has maintained with Mercer University for more than 30 years. Dr. Manjay disclosed that he is a graduate of Mercer University and later served as an assistant professor with the institution while residing in Liberia, a role that further strengthened ties between the two universities.
According to Dr. Manjay, recent engagements with Mercer University’s outgoing President, Bill Honour Woods, resulted in an agreement to donate surplus academic and instructional materials to Tubman University.
“The items were shipped from the United States and provided to us free of charge through the Office of the President of Mercer University,” he stated.
Expressing appreciation, Dr. Manjay said the donation comes at a critical time, noting that public universities in Liberia continue to grapple with limited financial resources, with a substantial portion of government funding consumed by personnel costs.
“We are competing for the same limited dollars, and most of our government budgetary allotment goes directly to salaries,” he said. “That reality requires us to be innovative and strategic in seeking alternative support to keep the university moving forward.”
The TU President commended the leadership of Mercer University for its generosity and praised Tubman University staff for their role in ensuring the successful shipment, customs clearance, and delivery of the container.
The arrival of the supplies has generated excitement across the university campus and surrounding community.
Meanwhile, President of the Tubman University Students Government Association (TUSGA), Mr. Reed J. Harmon, welcomed the donation and lauded Dr. Manjay for his continued efforts to advance the institution.
“These items will benefit students immensely and help create a more comfortable and conducive learning environment,” Harmon said. “This is what Dr. Manjay and his team do best—bringing improvements that directly impact students. We are truly grateful.”
Distribution of the donated materials has already begun, with several items placed in classrooms and offices across Tubman University’s campuses.
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