Monrovia, Liberia – Ephraim T. Nyumah, a lecturer at the University of Liberia, has urged young Liberians to reach their full potential and make significant contributions to the nation’s sustainable growth and development. Nyumah, a lecturer in the Department of Economics and a former Secretary General of the Federation of African Law Students, made the comments during the weekend’s keynote speech at Smart Innovative Technologies’ graduation ceremony.
He commended the graduates for their bravery and tenacity, pointing out that their desire to better their life and have an impact on society is a positive move. He maintained that education is characterized by the knowledge and skills gained and how they are used in practical settings, rather to just attending a formal school.
“I urge you to optimize your potential for national development. Your future and that of this country are in your hands. Do not suffocate your career, develop it, nurture it, and allow it to grow,” he narrated.
Speaking on his own experience, Nyumah described how he began working for a non-governmental group in 2015 for a meagre $50. He was committed to learning new skills every year, such as project proposal writing and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), which greatly raised his professional value.
He emphasized that practical talents, not just academic degrees, open doors to greater prospects, revealing that his knowledge later earned him US$1,200 for a three-week project conducting field assessments across five regions.
Nyumah also urged the graduates to use every learning opportunity as an opportunity to better themselves, emphasizing the growing value of technical and vocational skills in today’s labour market. “Many degree holders are now turning to vocational training because it pays more and provides quicker returns,” he noted.
Isaiah Koffa, Jr., the Executive Director of Smart Innovative Technologies, also complimented the keynote speaker for his motivational speech and encouraged the graduates to maintain integrity and create solid networks. He cautioned that a lack of integrity could ruin their jobs, particularly in occupations that call for access to clients’ private areas and trust.
“It is integrity and networking that will sustain your progress. Without them, you risk destroying your own dreams,” Koffa said.
The event signalled the graduates’ entry into the workforce and reaffirmed their commitment to ethical behaviour, discipline, and skill.
Reported by: Prince Saah
