The Barshell University, established in 2016 to provide quality education to the nation’s student populace and and is situated in Paynesville City, had its first convocation and graduation program in grand style on June 9, 2023 at the Liberty Chapel Edifice in Johnsonville, Montserrado County.
At least over 100 graduates successfully walked out of the walls of the Barshell University from the Colleges of Engineering and Technology, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and Business and Public Administration, among others.
The graduates were presented their degrees by Montserrado County’s district #1 Representative, Lawrence Morris, alongside other presenters, in various disciplines and fields of study.
The convocation and graduation ceremony of the Barshell University was graced by several dignitaries and partners-in-education, parents, well-wishers, including the Director General of the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE), Prof. Edward Lama Wonkeryor, Ph.D., while Montserrado County’s district #1 Representative Lawrence Morris, served as keynote speaker at the elaborate event.
In his keynote address, Representative Lawrence Morris rated the first graduation ceremony of the Barshell University as an important milestone in the lives of the graduates and students of the university in their quest to acquire higher education and withstand challenges in the world of academia.
Representative Morris entreated the graduates to utilize the knowledge acquired from the institution of higher learning in making wise decisions in their various areas of specialty, despite the situation they may encounter in the society and the global village.
The Montserrado County district #1 lawmaker, who also happens to be the Chairman of the Board of Advisors of the Barshell University, admonished the graduates to cultivate good work traits, moral principles and persist on advancing themselves to the next level in society.
He underscored the need for the first badge graduates of the Barshell University to strive to drive their vision, pursuit their education further, network with others, and remain patient and humble in giving service to people in and out of Liberia.
Representative Morris hinted the graduates that coming out of the walls of the university from the various colleges was just the start of a notable profession, thereby calling on them to take into account the school’s motto, “To Which Much Is Given, Much Is Expected”.
Earlier on, Prof. Edward Lama Wonkeryor, Ph.D., Director General of the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE), in remarks disclosed that the commission has formally handed over the certificate for the accreditation of some programs being offered by the Barshell University, located at the Barclay Mission Road, Paynesville, outskirts of Monrovia.
Dr. Wonkeryor maintained that the accreditation procedure was to gain certificate of international recognition and improve the quality of education for the overall good of the young generation in the country.
He said Barshell University has over the years strived to become the best in Paynesville and its environs. “The accreditation of the institution is an important step forward in support of its goal and vision for which it was established,” he stated.
Dr. Wonkeryor used the occasion to hail the cordial ties subsisting between the NHCE and Barshell University, including other institutions of higher learning which, to date, continue to benefit Liberia’s educational system at large.
He then challenged authorities of the Barshell University to move steadfastly in completing the stipulated requirements set forth by the relevant regulatory health body to obtain its permit to qualify it in offering undergraduate courses in applied health science.
The NCHE boss underscored the importance for a public dialogue on higher education and its impact on economic development, social transformation and national integration.
Dr. Wonkeryor added that education reform has been one of the major priorities of the administration of President George Weah who, in his election speech, vowed to improve access to quality education and the outcome of learning of the student populace in the nation.
For her part, the valedictorian of the first graduating class of Barshell University, Linda S. Melin, said hats off to her fellow graduates, stating that this was just the beginning of their struggle on planet Earth as they aspire for greater opportunities.
Turning to parents, Melin said she wants parents to begin paying much attention to the education of young people in Liberia, especially their girl children, if they are to become productive assets to the country.
In the same vein, the President of Barshell University, Dr. Jackson B. Weah, BA, MACH, D. Min., explained that the administration made lots of strides in taking the institution forward, as 2022/2023 academic year was a resounding success.
He said these achievements would not have been made possible had it not been for the support and mutual working ties subsisting between the teaching staff and Barshell University’s Board of Advisors.