Veteran Liberian educator and former Deputy Education Minister for Administration, Ambassador Latim Da-Thong, has emphasized his firm support to the establishment of a fair and transparent academic crimes court in Liberia.
“I firmly support the establishment of a ‘fair’ and transparent academic crimes court: No personal targets,” he stated in a Facebook post on his official page on Sunday, February 4, 2024.
The educational stakeholder noted that, in recent discussions surrounding the establishment of an academic crimes court in Liberia, he expressed his willingness by all means as an educator, under a light compulsion to emphasize the critical importance of such a judicial body.
Ambassador Da-Thong said he believes this initiative, if established properly, will address the pervasive issue of individuals advancing in society through the use of counterfeit educational credentials.
“Beyond mere rectification of personal injustices, the implementation of an academic crimes court serves as a fundamental for national progress, emphasizing the paramount significance of genuine academic achievements,” the renowned educator noted.
The former Deputy MoE Boss indicated that, at the heart of this matter, lies the principle that the foundation of a prosperous and equitable society must be built on the pillars of honesty and meritocracy.
“Allowing individuals to ascend the social ladder through deceptive academic achievements erodes the very essence of a fair and just society—a message I echoed six years ago during my confirmation as Deputy Minister,” he recounted.
At the same time, Ambassador Latim Da-Thong intimated that the proposed court is not merely a punitive measure but a safeguard for the integrity of Liberia’s educational system and the societal fabric as a whole.
Therefore, he added that the courage exhibited by campaigners who acknowledge and rectify mistakes when they occur is commendable.
“It adds a layer of accountability to the proposed court, demonstrating that its purpose is not to unjustly target specific individuals or use it as a means of survival, but to establish a standardized and impartial system,” Ambassador Da-Thong indicated.
He emphasized that, while the path to perfection may be fraught with challenges, the resilience to admit shortcomings and rectify them ensures the credibility and fairness of the process.
Da-Thong, who is also the proprietor of one of Liberia’s leading higher learning institutions, Starz University, added that the eradication of fraudulent scholars is not just a matter of personal vindication but a national imperative.
“Liberia stands at the threshold of progress, and a robust educational system is the linchpin for sustainable development. The proposed court, by ensuring the validity of academic credentials, contributes to the creation of a workforce with genuine skills and knowledge, fostering innovation, productivity and competitiveness on the global stage,” he averred.
According to the educator, the campaigners advocating for the academic crimes court are champions of hard work and honesty, noting that their goal should extend beyond personal grievances, political affiliation, social interest and everything personal.
He made the emphasis highlighting a contradiction spotted in a claimed research done and published by former student leader, Martin K. N. Kollie, about Commerce and Industry Minister-designate, Amid Modad.
Kollie, in his recent post on his official Facebook page, told the public that his investigation has established that Modad is an official graduate of the University of Phoenix, the same university he considered fraudulent in 2021 when he discovered that Ambassador Da-Thong also obtained his masters from there.
“I emphasize this because I am a victim of false narratives. Despite the global recognition of the University of Phoenix, where I did my masters three years ago, it was spotlighted that the University of Phoenix was fraudulent. Today, an alumnus of the same school is appointed, and it has automatically been claimed valid and accredited—how?” Ambassador Da-Thong questioned Martin Kollie’s credibility.
He reiterated the essence of these critical establishments is not for personal gain and mental exploitation of the society. “We want to help, but rather it is a noble pursuit of a better Liberia, one where individuals are recognized and rewarded based on their authentic accomplishments.
“The establishers’ dedication deserves acknowledgment and support from all quarters of society—but should be done fairly,” he said.
The educator maintained that the establishment of an academic crimes court in Liberia is not merely an isolated pursuit for justice; it is a transformative endeavor with far-reaching implications. He noted that it safeguards the sanctity of education, promotes meritocracy, and positions Liberia on the path to becoming a beacon of integrity and excellence in the global community.
“The time is ripe for collective action to propel this initiative forward, shaping a future where academic achievements are the true currency of success. After all, let’s be honest,” he observed.