Monrovia, Liberia – Former Deputy Foreign Minister B. Elias Shoniyin has informed the Alumni Association of the University of Liberia that homecoming is not just a celebration of memories; it is a call to action. Mr. Shoniyin remarked over the weekend as keynote speaker at the Alumni Association of the University of Liberia, “A call to take ownership of the future of our alma mater, our nation, and the world around us.”
“This university gave us the tools to navigate the complexity of life, and it is now our turn to ensure that future generations after us have similar opportunities,” said the Dean of the School of Global Affairs and Policy, Cuttington University Graduate Schools, and Managing Director of Africa Development Management Associates.
“It is an opportunity to reflect, to reconnect, and to commit ourselves to the future of the University of Liberia,” he added homecoming is more than just a reunion of friends and colleagues. This is a time to celebrate our progress and replenish ourselves as we negotiate the future.”
“The relationships we create now will not only help our alumni network but also guarantee that we will always be supporting and encouraging of our beloved alma institution. Alumni here are the stewards of the legacy of this university. Our joint responsibility is real, concrete, and urgent, not only symbolic. The glory of our institution its renown, its excellence, its capacity to inspire generations depends on our active commitment and generosity.”
He also advised his associates “We have to commit in deeds as much as in words. Whether it is through our financial support, mentorship, or advocating for the university’s interests in our professional circles, we each have a role to play in sustaining the University of Liberia’s standing as a beacon of knowledge and hope.”
Former Deputy Foreign Minister said as alumni of the university, they have inherited a sacred obligation adding that “We must remember that the prestige of the University of Liberia is related to our acts, our achievements, and our failures. In all we do, we have to set an example by living the best of integrity, compassion, and ethical leadership. Alumni are expected to be role models in our communities, to serve with humility and intent, and to be agents of good change in addition to exceling in our fields.”
“These ideals leadership, service, integrity may sound lofty, but history has shown us time and time again that they are the foundations upon which prosperous nations are built. If we are to effect real, lasting change in Liberia and beyond, we must embrace a cultural shift that prioritizes ethical behavior, civic responsibility, and community engagement. We must reject the impulse to destroy when we feel frustrated, and instead, channel our energies into constructive, solution-oriented actions. Self-serving actions only undermine the very progress we seek. As alumni of this great university, we must lead by example in showing that real change comes through sacrifice and positive thinking.”
“Fellow alumni, we are living in a rapidly changing and increasingly unpredictable world. The challenges we today face as a nation and as individuals are complex, multifaceted, and often daunting. As Liberia navigates this critical moment in its history, we, the enlightened segment of society, must rise to the occasion. Whether it is ethical expectations or the intricacies of political affiliation, our role as alumni of the University of Liberia is to rise above these limitations and to be at the forefront of efforts to ensure national stability, prosperity, and progress.”
“It must not only provide students with academic knowledge but also instill values of integrity, entrepreneurship, and civic duty,” Mr. Shoniyin said, stressing the vital part the University of Liberia has to continue to shape the future direction of our nation. Our professors ought to push students toward ethical, creative, and critical thinking.”
The ability of the University of Liberia to solve issues, innovate, and lead with conviction must center its goals, the key note speaker stated,. Alumni have the ability to push for these reforms and guarantee that this university keeps turning forth graduates ready to face the demands of the twenty-first century, he added.
Stressing that the University of Liberia should never be where students accept lesser standards or shy away from the demands of leadership, he advised the UL Alumni Association not to settle for mediocrity.
“We must empower our students to be problem-solvers, to question the status quo, and to take ownership of the future. The world does not wait for those who are content with the bare minimum—it rewards those who dare to think differently, to act boldly, and to lead with vision. Our university’s motto propels us in that direction: Lux in Tenebris “Light in the Dark” is more relevant today than ever. As graduates of this great University, we are called to be that light, guiding our communities, our nation, and the world toward a brighter future. Our education did not provide us with all the answers, but it gave us the tools to think critically, to challenge ourselves, and to persevere in the face of adversity.”
