Reported by: Prince Saah
Monrovia, Liberia – United Methodist Church Resident Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. has cautioned Rev. Dr. David M. Tokpah, the newly inducted eighth president of the United Methodist University (UMU), not to become a “wicked and weak president.” Speaking Wednesday, July 29, 2026, during Rev. Tokpah’s investiture, Bishop Quire urged the new UMU president to provide strong, responsible and principled leadership in managing the institution.
The Bishop further advised Rev. Tokpah to consult with him before making major decisions, stressing the importance of working closely with the university’s Board of Directors. According to Bishop Quire, the Board was established to provide guidance, oversight and support to the university’s administration, and the new president should make use of that structure in leading UMU forward.
Reading his Presidential address, the newly appointed eighth President of the United Methodist University (UMU) pledged to place students at the center of the institution’s decision-making while pursuing sweeping reforms aimed at improving academic quality, strengthening financial accountability, supporting faculty and staff, and preparing graduates for the modern job market.
Also, Dr. Tokpah acknowledged that he was assuming office at a difficult time, citing unresolved salary arrears, unpaid employee benefits, deteriorating campus facilities, and the lack of resources needed to relocate the university to its proposed future site in Brewerville. He said the challenges were significant but should inspire determination rather than discouragement.
“We cannot do business as usual. We cannot continue doing the same things and expect different results. We must change,” Dr. Tokpah stated.
At the center of his administration’s agenda, he announced plans to make UMU Liberia’s first “student-first university, emphasizing that every decision made by the administration would be measured by its impact on students. He said, “The main reason why we work at UMU is because of the students. Beginning tomorrow morning, every senior administrator and employee must commit to making our students a priority.”
Addressing longstanding concerns over delays in issuing academic transcripts, the President announced that the university would, within 30 days, assign dedicated staff to process transcript requests more efficiently.
He said the administration would publish clear timelines for transcript processing and prioritize graduates who have waited the longest. The President urged members of the university community to embrace accountability, constructive criticism, transparency, and shared responsibility.
“Trust is built when people are better informed, when they are included, and when they are treated with honesty,” he said.
The President also identified graduate employability as one of the university’s most urgent concerns, warning that many university programs across Africa no longer fully align with the changing needs of employers.
To address the gap, he announced that UMU would conduct a comprehensive review of all academic programs during his first year in office.
“The formal handover notes are prepared, the desk is clear, and all the files of the Office of the President are still there,” the former interim head said, signaling the team’s readiness to ensure an orderly transfer of authority,” Cllr. Medina A. Wesseh explained. The former interim leader offered a final piece of advice to the new UMU President: “Don’t be wicked, but don’t be weak. Be wise and be guided by compassion.”
