Monrovia – United States Ambassador accredited to Liberia Christine Elder is urging Liberian students studying in the US to stay in the country in accordance with their student visa.
Report by Jackson F. Kanneh, [email protected]
Appearing Wednesday, June 19, on Lux Talk, on the Capitol Hill campus of the University of Liberia alongside two visiting professors from the University of Kentucky, Ambassador Elder urged Liberian Students to return home after the expiration of their student visa or the completion of their study.
According to her, scholarship students overstaying beyond their study poses serious predicament for future applicants.
The US Ambassador noted that it is not the wish of the US embassy to deny scholarship student visa into the US as is perceived by some Liberians.
“It really pains my heart to know that a Liberian student will qualify for a US scholarship but is unable to get a visa to further their study because previous scholarship students are refusing to come home,” she noted.
Touching on the visitation of the two professors from Kentucky State University, Ambassador Elder said the partnership is necessary and timely as it will benefit the two universities.
Speaking early on Lux Talk, Dr. Tim Barnes urged Liberians to invest in higher education as a means of transforming their country.
Dr. Barnes speaking on the topic: “Universities and Challenges in the 21st Century: Fundraising, Globalization and Partnerships”, admonished Liberians to pressure officials of government to invest in higher quality education.
“Higher education is the best investment any country can make. Use your voice to inform your politicians on the importance of college education,” Dr. Barnes stated.
Since its launch last year, Lux Talk has hosted both local and foreign educators to share their knowledge with both students and faculty at the University of Liberia. Lux Talk is designed to encourage and promote academic debates and policy discussion on the campuses of the University of Liberia.
The program brings policymakers and top-notch professionals face-to-face with UL students, faculty and the public to discuss topics that include politics, economics, sciences, technology and music among others from an evidence-based point of view.
For his part, Dr. Wayne Sanderson lecturing on the topic: “An American Public University’s Response Local Health Needs” assures the UL faculty of Kentucky States University willingness in assisting slum communities in Liberia overcome the challenges of waste management.
According to him, their visit is the beginning of a fruitful relationship between Kentucky States University and the University of Liberia.