Fendell – Barely few weeks after launching the digital registration process for the upcoming semester, the state-run University of Liberia has taken another step further in enhancing and building the capacity of students.
On Thursday, April 19, the administration dedicated a computer laboratory at the Fendell Campus of the university, which is expected to provide computer education for students.
The project, financed by the Trustees of Donations for Education in Liberia (TDEL), is worth US$100,000. The lab will be use by both students and faculties of the university.
Speaking at the dedication ceremony, UL president Dr. Ophelia Inez Weeks lauded TDEL for providing funds for the computer laboratory, while at the same time recognizing the role played by her predecessor, Dr. Emmet Dennis in making the initiative a reality.
She said the lab will improve the knowledge of the students and prepare them to compete with other universities across the country.
“We are very happy that the trustee saw a fit to provide the funds that allow us to make this computer library happened. This will be a welcome surprise for our students when they return from break , that they are returning to a library that does not only had library but also has computer that will expand their horizon in term of providing reading resources,” Dr. Weeks said.
“So I should say this started under the administration of Dr. Dennis, so thanks to him for making this happen.”
Speaking further, she highlighted the long standing relationship between the University of Liberia and the TDEL.
She said the partnership has improved the university learning capacity greatly since it was founded by the Trustees in the 1800 as Liberia College. She, however, urged TDEL to help the University with materials that are needed in the 21st century.
For his part, TDEL president John Archibald said the opening of the computer library will bring the students and faculty members closer to the outside world.
He assured that his organization would continue to partner with UL in expanding the university digital facility, adding that the computer laboratory will not be TDEL last project with the University of Liberia as there are plan for the computer library to be open on other campuses of the university.
“With this computer library you will get the world here at your finger tip right on the scream, so this is a grand day for the library. I want to say we are not leaving and not follow it up, we are committed to support this facility in making it bigger and then replicate it else where on other campuses of the university of Liberia,” he said.
Report by Jackson F. Kanneh