The newly inducted President of the 22nd graduating class’s student governing council, African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU), Abdurahman Barry, has announced that his administration will use available resources to promote academic excellence at the institution.
“As we assume the mantle of authority, my leadership will explore all means of pursuing the school’s administration to prioritize academic excellence,” President Barry said with certainty, considering the challenges students face on campus. “This is where my government will invest.”
President Barry made the statement on Friday, January 21, 2022 when he, along with other elected officials of the student council government, was inducted into office. Those inducted were Abdurahman Barry, President; Leela C. Borsay, Vice President; Varney Siebo, Secretary General; Mamu Bility Financial Secretary; Peter O. Flomo, Junior Class President; Ebenezer S. Morlia, President, Sophomore Class; and Abraham Ballah, President, Freshman Class.
His election and subsequent induction as President of AMEU’s graduating class is history in Liberia’s student community: the first Fulani to serve in the capacity. In Liberia, many Fulanis are not recognized as citizens but renowned business tycoons and play minimal role in student politics, so his ascension to that post is history the Fula community has made.
“Today’s gathering signifies a new brand of unusual story of the chapter to be remembered on the campus of AMEU,” Barry said with profound joy. “This is a dawn of a new day.”
At the induction ceremony, Fulanis were in full attendance. The President, in a grateful tone, lauded those who voted him into office and underscored his administration’s stance in fostering academic excellence.
“My fellow students, l applaud you for your resilience and the patience you demonstrated during the just-ended political election,” he said. “I am very pleased to extend profound compliment to AMEU’s administration for continuing and sustaining a good education atmosphere.”
With clarion call from students about challenges they face every semester, Barry promised to change the narrative at the university.
“My sojourn here is to redeem students from all walks of society and to move this institution to higher height,” he said. “Often time students alarm about not having efficient and effective labs, which is in science. But we also need a business lab, which will make massive investment in building human capital.”
Giving hope to the students, especially the business ones, he said, “We need to try to have a business lab for our students. They must be knowledgeable about the application of what they learned.”
The guest speaker, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Samuel D. Tweah, spoke on the theme, “The Dynamics of Student Social and Political Activism”.
“Politicians preaching for change, you ran on an agenda for change, and the electorate vote for change,” Minister Tweah said. According to the Finance boss, change requires validation for people, depending on their political point of view.
“Change has two separate identities, and voters who clamor for it must be able to identify that access,” he said. “1980 change brought equal gender rights in Liberia. Activism against the True Whig Party gave birth to multiple political parties. The war raged on former President Samuel K. Doe brought change. Is postwar Liberia different from Liberia in the 1980? If voters do not consider this question, our democracy is in vain,” he said.
Concerning youths and the student community being used by politicians to protest, Minister Tweah observed that every social era defines its own activism. Consequently, youths or students should not be mesmerized by politicians for past events and agitate.
“Today, the dynamics of 30 years ago cannot be coped with current-day reality. Students and organization of youths have to live in their period,” he said.
He urged the student body to critique Barry’s administration and not swallow his wrong because they are loyal to him. He challenged the leadership to be accountable, transparent, independent and not avail themselves to be used by politicians to protest for events of 50 years ago; instead, protest for current-day reality so that society gets integrity.
Several dignitaries made special remarks during the program, including AMEU’s President, Rev. Dr. Alvin E. Attach.
During the fundraising program, Montserrado County’s Senator, Saah H. Joseph, and Representative Thomas P. Fallah pledged US$5,000 each. Minister Tweah pledged US$3,000 and his Deputy, who inducted the leader into office, pledged US$1,500. The leadership of the Fula community in Liberia pledged L$300,000, followed by various Fula associations and other dignitaries.
