Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has launched the Grand Gedeh University’s US$1 million endowment fund drive to educate the young people in the county.
Speaking at the launching ceremony held at the Monrovia City Hall on Monday, the Deputy Chief of Staff in the office of Vice President Koung, who spoke on his behalf, said, “Today, we gather not merely to launch a university, but to write a new chapter in the history of our nation.”
MacDonald M. Mettzgar stated that this is more than a ceremony; it is the birth of hope, the rise of opportunity and the opening of doors that were once closed to many.
Metzgar pointed out, “What stands before us was once a community college, but today it rises as Grand Gedeh University—a beacon of hope, a symbol of transformation, and a bold declaration that the future of Liberia will not be limited by its past.
“This moment is deeply emotional, because it brings to fulfillment the dreams of generations, dreams that education would reach every corner of our land; dreams that a child born in the southeastern region would not have to travel far to access quality higher learning; dreams that opportunities would no longer be defined by geography, but by determination.”
He said he believed that Grand Gedeh University is strategically positioned, and its location in the southeastern region opens doors for thousands of young people across Grand Gedeh, River Gee, Sinoe, Maryland, and beyond, to bring education closer to the people, and in doing so it brings hope closer to their hearts.
He said, “Let us be clear, this university should not only serve the southeast, but compete with the very best across our nation as well as become a destination of choice, attracting students from Monrovia, Lofa, Nimba, and every county in Liberia.
“As our government continues its ambition to make the southeast fully accessible, connecting county capitals and opening pathways of development, this university will stand as a pillar of that transformation.”
He expressed thanks to the Ministry of Education and the administration of the university for their collaboration, vision, and unwavering commitment in making this milestone possible. He urged the students to take advantage of the moment, not just by enrolling into the university but by enrolling in the future of Liberia.
“Take full advantage of this opportunity. Prepare yourselves with knowledge, discipline, integrity, and a spirit of service. This nation is counting on you to rebuild, innovate, and lead,” he stated.
Metzgar commended the teachers and lecturers for their sacrifices, resilience and dedication to a noble profession, and for molding minds, shaping characters, and building a nation through knowledge.
He noted that the government recognizes that true respect for teachers must be reflected in better conditions and more befitting salaries. “As a government, we hear you, and we remain committed to working toward that goal. In return, we encourage you to continue upholding the highest standards of professionalism as you prepare the next generation of Liberian leaders,” he added.
“As a personal contribution to this great institution and in support of our students, I am pleased to pledge my commitment to the construction of a modern student center—a space that will foster learning, innovation, collaboration, and community.”
Meanwhile, the President of the Grand Gedeh University, Dr. Eric Z.M. Gbotoe, said higher education remains central to Liberia’s national development agenda.
According to Dr. Gbotoe, institutions such as Grand Gedeh University have been playing a critical role in expanding access to tertiary education, particularly in underserved regions.
He noted that the establishment of a structured education endowment fund reflects on the desire for infrastructural and institutional development, financial sustainability planning and closing the financial gap created as a result of limited national budgetary support.
He underscored that this fund is designed to provide an immediate financial solution to help the administration hire qualified lecturers, improve classroom facilities, build the capacity of administrative and institutional staff, improve internet access for lecturers and students, and cover other operational expenses.
Dr. Gbotoe indicated that this endowment fund was initiated to help solve current and future funding constraints confronting the university, including access to scholarships for academically deserving and economically disadvantaged students.
He further said it will include faculty capacity-building programs, research grants, and academic exchange initiatives, infrastructure and technology for digital learning, modern laboratories and online research library systems as well as institutional development to strengthen governance and quality assurance programs.
He explained that a sustainable endowment fund will reduce dependency on the national budget, attract qualified lecturers to the university, enhance international academic partnership, strengthen institutional resilience and improve the university’s infrastructure by initiating new development projects.
The Grand Gedeh University fund drive brought together government officials, diaspora Grand Gedeans, legislators and other partners in the educational sector.
