As President Boakai Appoints New Principal
Monrovia, Liberia – The Booker Washington Institute (BWI) is set to go through a smooth transition as President Joseph N. Boakai appoints a new principal (Dr. Nancy Freeman) to the institute.
Following the appointment of the new principal by President Boakai, Ex-officio Jonathan Paye-Layleh, led some prominent individuals of BWI and other members of the Board of Governors to ensure a smooth transition process which is expected to take place soon.
Shortly after the meeting; Paye-Layleh, who served as an Ex-official on the team from the office of the President, disclosed that the meeting was aimed at ensuring a smooth handover of office by outgoing Principal Dr. Harris Fomba Tarnue.
Mr. Paye-layleh said: ”We know once her announcement was made, they know that a lot of things must be put on hold so that the new person will not take over to see some strange things.”
“We are delighted as a product of this school that the president has reposed trust in us to work with the new administration so we deal with the bigger ones.”
Mr. Paye-layleh however, clarified that Principal Tarnue was never dismissed or sacked as it has been perceived in the public space, adding that “It was the matter of the President of Liberia who has the power to appoint, so that once a Liberian has served for some times, it is important that another Liberian serve in the same capacity.”
He continued that although the school is looking forward to the new principal, it is crucial for alumni to band together and put in a full day’s work to assist the incoming administrations as they prepare to rebrand BWI.
Dr. Harris Tarnue praised the President for his appointment during the meeting, but also pointed out that although he will be leaving the BWI, he will still be a member of the Alumina Association since he is a required member of the institute’s board of governors.
As a new member of the National Educational Advisory Board, Dr. Tarnue will have some supervision over BWI.
Dr. Tarnue was recently selected by President Joseph N. Boakai to the National Educational Advisory Board, where he will hold certain supervisory authority over the BWI.
Dr. Tarnue following a rigorous vetting process in 2016, was appointed by former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as Principal of the BWI, a position he served for 7 years. Dr. Tarnue acknowledged that he’s leaving the walls of BWI, he will still be actively involved with activities of the institute.
“As a graduate of this school I will always be a part of the BWI Alumina Association because the alumina association I am a statutory member of the board of governor of this institution.”
Reported by: Simeon S. Wiakanty
Contact: +231881538878
