Monrovia, Liberia – Conor O’Brien, the chief financial officer of ArcelorMittal Liberia, has urged recently enrolled African Bible College University (ABCU) students to fully embrace their new surroundings and prioritize their academic endeavors for the sake of their individual and national futures.
O’Brien reminded both new and returning students that their goal at the institution is to learn and get ready for the future speaking to them during a matriculation ceremony.
“Going to university is a time of responsibility and personal development. It implies that you are now guardians of your own destiny rather than just a successor to your parents’ aspirations,” he said.
“Liberia needs prepared individuals who are ready to lead,” he added, emphasizing that since their path had only just begun, they should view every obstacle as a step toward knowledge.
“Remember that your education is not only for you, but also for the betterment of your family, community, and nation. My Challenge to you is, be one of the smart, disciplined, and caring men and women that Liberia needs,” he advised.
According to O’Brien, ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Phase II Expansion is empowering students to pursue academic goals that lead to greater economic prospects.
He clarified that in addition to boosting output, the company’s historic investment aims to open doors for Liberians. “We are constructing railroads, improving port infrastructure, and above all, creating job and skill-building opportunities for youth like you.
“The skills you acquire at African Bible College University put you in a position to take advantage of those opportunities,” he stated.
O’Brien stressed that university life comes with freedom, but warned that freedom without discipline leads to destruction and cautioned students to be cognizant of drugs and substance which he described as scourges that continue to destroy the lives and futures of many young Liberians.
“Do not let temporary pleasures rob you of permanent progress,” he urged.
O’Brien reflected on the changing dynamic between ABCU and ArcelorMittal Liberia and expressed hope for future cooperation. He cited a recent collaboration between the university and the company’s Training Academy as an excellent illustration of what lies ahead.
He pointed out that there are many more areas where collaboration may foster leadership development, broaden training programs, and create connections between school and the company’s operations.
As ArcelorMittal makes investments in industry and infrastructure, O’Brien stated, “We want to work with organizations like African Bible College University to make sure that Liberia’s youth are prepared to lead in every field, whether in business, governance, ministry, or community development.”
