The Director General of the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE), Dr. Edward Lama Wonkeryor, has commended the Cuttington University for the launch of Liberia’s first doctoral degree program since its independence in 1847.
Unlike before, he disclosed that Liberia, though oldest on the continent of Africa, is one of the countries in the subregion without a doctoral programs, but the official launch on May 24, 2023 is now a major milestone.
Dr. Wonkeryor said over the years there has been a strong desire by the Liberian populace to have doctoral degree programs in Liberia, which he noted is now a reality.
According to him, excellence in education service delivery requires the highest degree possible; as such, the doctoral degree is extremely important in this regard.
Speaking at the launching program, he stated that as Liberia strives to improve its quality of instruction and delivery, there is a dire need for skilled and innovative professionals for positions in a wide variety of educational environments, particularly the tertiary education sub-sector, to address the enormous challenges faced by today’s schools and organizations.
”It is anticipated that developing diverse individuals with transformational leadership skills will fast-track educational success and national development,” he added.
He told the audience that following all of the processes, Cuttington University has been duly accredited to offer the doctoral programs, to include Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.), emphases in Ministry Development, Educational Leadership, and Missional Leadership; and Doctor of Theology (Th.D.), emphases in Historical Studies and Systematic Theology.
The Higher Education boss used the occasion to challenge the university authorities to ensure that the programs help prepare the students to become real scholars and professionals, empower them to discover, integrate and apply knowledge as leaders in schools and other entities.
Moreover, he hoped that the programs will enable potential candidates to meet the challenges of diverse educational environment and be ready to serve Liberia and beyond, and to help the students to cultivate and demonstrate leadership competencies.
“It is my expectation that these programs meet best international practices, and our products should be able to compete with their counterparts in Africa and elsewhere in the world,” he noted.
He said he wants potential students, who are expected to enroll in the programs to be rigorously vetted. He observed that they must be students who are prepared to face the challenges associated with terminal degree programs.
Equally important, Dr. Wonkeryor underscored that the administration of President Dr. George Manneh Weah is wholesomely committed to ensuring quality higher education for the present and future generations of Liberians.
“As Director General of the NCHE, therefore, we pledge our unequivocal support to the Cuttington University initiative. We will avail ourselves to assist when and where need be, and when called upon to do so,” he pointed out.
Meanwhile the programs will commence in September 2023.
