Calls It “Birth of Hope and Opportunity”
Monrovia, Liberia – Vice President Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koung Sr., has officially launched Grand Gedeh University. He called the event “the birth of hope, the rise of opportunity, and the opening of doors that were once closed to many.” “This is more than a ceremony, it is the birth of hope and opportunity for our people,” the Vice President said during his speech on Monday at Monrovia City Hall, emphasizing that the conversion of the former community college into a full university marks a new chapter for the country.
The remarks were contained in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration in the Office of the Vice President, Macdonald M. Metzer, during the Grand Gedeh University launch and US$1 million endowment fund drive.
Dr. Metzer emphasised the institution’s wider influence, pointing out that it will benefit not just Grand Gedeh County but the entire Southeast. He said, “It brings people closer to education, and in doing so, it brings hope closer to their hearts.” “This university must not only serve the southeast, it must compete with the very best across our nation,” Vice President Koung urged, emphasizing the importance of excellence.
“Your collaboration, your vision, and your unwavering commitment have made this milestone possible,” he continued, praising the leadership of the university and the Ministry of Education Liberia. “You are not just enrolling in a university; you are enrolling in the future of Liberia,” he said, urging students to seize the chance.
The Vice President praised and reassured educators, saying, “We honour your sacrifices, your resilience, and your dedication,” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to raising their pay and working conditions. He declared, “I am pleased to pledge my commitment to the construction of a modern Student Center, and made an initial commitment of US$5,000 toward the fund drive.”
The Vice President emphasized the need to fight “illiteracy, ignorance, and brain drain” while reiterating the administration’s position on education, saying, “this government is serious about education, serious about inclusion, and serious about opportunity.”
The Vice President continued, “Let this university stand as a promise fulfilled and a promise renewed.” Grand Gedeh University’s opening represents a major advancement in Liberia’s efforts to promote inclusive development. With an emphasis on scholarships, faculty capacity-building initiatives, infrastructure development, and technology for digital learning, the university’s endowment fund drive seeks to solve present and future financial issues.
