Sunday, 29 December 2024

 



The Government of Liberia Needs to Abolish Volunteer Teachers in Public Schools

Teaching is a Nobel Profession. It is an ART. In the Republic of Liberia, teachers are required to have teaching certificates at the C, B and A levels or above. This means that teachers can also be University or college graduates. For some years now, the Country has had problems/challenges with the issue of Volunteer Teachers. Volunteer Teachers? Why should anyone teach free of charge when they should be paid? Why are there Volunteer Teachers in the first Place? My understanding is that these are teachers that are teaching government schools and are not on the Government of Liberia Payroll. They are considered as Volunteer Teachers. There are no such volunteer teachers in private, or religious schools operating around the country because private school teachers are regularly paid monthly. Why are there Volunteer Teachers then? First, there are public schools that exist in communities and counties across the country. Some of those schools do not have trained or professional teachers.

Yet, those schools are operating and have students without professional teachers. Should the Government close them? No. The Liberian children in those communities deserve to go to school. So, citizens living in those towns either ask those who can read and write to teach the children in the towns or some teachers who died were not replaced by qualified ones to teach, but such teachers are not recognised by the Ministry of Education authorities. There could be other several ways that volunteer teachers came about. According to the Ministry of Education, there is a little over 6,000 volunteer teachers across the country mostly from Nimba, Bong, Margibi, Lofa, Bassa and Montserrado counties. Do we need to throw them all out? No. Incorporate the professional and qualified ones and let go the incompetent ones.

Congratulations to all those men and women that have volunteered over these years as teachers in our public schools. We thank them for their sacrifices to the Government and people of Liberia. We will forever remain grateful to them. However, we think it is time to say goodbye to that nomenclature, Volunteer Teachers, in our public schools. Why should all other workers in the public service be paid monthly when some of those that are training and teaching our children and preparing them for life are volunteering in some of our public schools? According to Haynes (2005) human resource is the most significant resource of any given country. It is the people who can do all the other things to keep the state running. So, if a country wants to run well, it must do well with its education system. An education that must do well for a country and its citizens should not be left in the hands of volunteer teachers. Why are our Representatives and Senators not volunteering? Why are those working with them not volunteering? Why are those working in the Executive and Judicial branches of the Government not volunteering?

There are private and religious schools operating in Liberia. There is a policy guiding them such that those working in those schools are required to be competent, qualified, and professional. If this is happening or not, the Ministry of Education ought to know and do the needful. It is the job of the Ministry of Education to ensure that this happens. That is one of the reasons why the Ministry of Education is desterilized from the Minister down to his/her deputies, assistants, County Education Officers (CEOs), District Education Officers (CEOs), the school principals, administrations, and Parents Teachers Associations (PTAs) across the country. Those working at the Ministry as Ministers work at the pleasure of the Head of State, President of the Republic, and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia. The Constitution gives him/her the right to fire those that he/she appoints in the Executive branch of Government at his or her pleasure. Therefore, they must do their best to fix and transform the education system in Liberia. That is their job. There are national and international partners to support Liberia in this endeavour.

AS I SEE IT, there is no shortage of competent, trained, and professional teachers in Liberia. Every year, public and private institutions of learning like universities and colleges or teacher training institutes are graduating students that are capable of teaching in our public schools. Have we thought about organising the new graduates, and getting them orientated to return to the counties and teach in the public schools there? The government should organise what I term as a National Service Program under which such graduates would be deployed in counties and districts in the schools that are short of qualified and professional teachers. Such National Service Program would be like the Peace Corps Program run by the United States of America. The Ministry could operate the program by providing a month-long orientation training for these young college graduates before placing them in the field. I would recommend that those National Service men and women be deployed for two academic years and compensated for their service during their time of service. Even the UN System in which I worked for more than a decade employs UN Volunteers, nationally and internationally. These volunteers are compensated. If there is any national service program presently, I think it should include the issue of solving the problem of Volunteer Teachers.

AS I SEE IT, through the orientation and deployment of the National Service Corps, they will build and gain experience around the country. The Ministry of Education could provide master’s degree scholarships locally or internationally for those completing the National Service Program at the end of their service over the two academic years. This could be an alternative route for those smart students that are incapable of funding their Education for master’s degree programs. The program should be competitive, robust, and meritorious. By operating such program, the government could gradually eradicate the Volunteer Teaching across the country and at the same time enhance the human capital of some smart Liberians that cannot personally enhance their capacities.

About the Author: Prof. Tom Kaydor, Jr. serves as an Assistant Professor at the IBB Graduate School of International Studies. He holds a PhD from the Department of Government and European Studies, the New University, Slovenia where he specialized in International Development and Diplomacy (with Security Aspects). His dissertation topic was ‘Reconceptualizing Africa’s Regional Integration for Peace and Sustainable Development.’ He earned a Master of Public Policy (MPP) specialized in Development Policy or Development Economics with Distinction from the Crawford School of Economics and Government (now the Crawford School of Public Policy), Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. He also obtained a Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations (Highest Distinction) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) Magna Cum Laude in Political Science from the University of Liberia where his Minor was History with Mass Communication as his Elective. Tom holds a Diploma in Leading Economic Growth from the Kennedy Graduate School, Harvard University, USA; and he holds other professional diplomas and certificates from Italy, UK, Pakistan, China, and Israel. Prof. Kaydor is also an Adjunct Professor of International Development Studies at the AME University Graduate School. Dr. Kaydor is an evidence-based researcher, a blogger, a columnist, and a published author. One can reach him via (kaydorth@ul.edu.lr or thkaydor@gmail.com).

Saturday, 21 December 2024

 


The Government of Liberia Should Lead Diplomatic Efforts to Keep ECOWAS’ Unity

Sometime ago, the Republics of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso decided that they were preparing to withdraw from the Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS). The three countries had experienced undemocratic transitions or transfers of power that ECOWAS is opposed to. The ECOWAS Member Sates imposed selected sanctions on those countries and took other actions to help the 3 West African countries return to democratic leadership by holding free, fair, and transparent elections. These countries have not returned to democratic governance as demanded by ECOWAS. They are all under military rule. Last weekend the ECOWAS Authority ended its 66th Summit in Abuja. ECOWAS officially received notification of the 3 countries’ decision to withdraw from ECOWAS. According to the President of ECOWAS, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have got up to 29th January-29th July 2025 to remain within the ambit of ECOWAS. These countries have reaffirmed their commitment to break away or withdraw from ECOWAS and form their own sub regional union, the Alliance of Sahel Sates.

Geopolitically, the Sahel comprises more than the 3 states of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The three countries as sovereign states have their right to decide what happens to their countries and peoples in terms of remaining within ECOWAS. However, they need to act meticulously in the context of their National Interests. Let us make no mistake. States Must always protect their National Interests and that of their Peoples. National Interest means the Security of the Sate and the Wellbeing of its people. Hence, the 3 countries’ grievances need to be listened to, discussed, and diplomatically negotiated. This is why I welcome the suggestion of the Republic of Liberia articulated by H.E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai that ECOWAS should remove all sanctions against the 3 countries and increase diplomatic efforts in negotiating with them in the spirit of international Cooperation. No country is truly independent of others.  

The suggestion advanced by Liberia’s President at the just ended 66th Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and Governments is great, welcoming, and relevant. It is only through diplomacy that such intergovernmental negotiation can take place. Indeed, there is strength in Unity.  Regional Solidarity is required no matter what the issues are. There is a very strong connection between international cooperation and sustainable development (Kaydor, 2024). Through international cooperation processes, the ECOWAS region can ensure that mutually agreed outcomes (Ibid) are obtained in the ultimate interests of all member states. The practice of international cooperation either stalls or enhances the attainment of national, regional, and global public goods and amicable outcomes. Official Development Assistance (ODA) is one of the key components of international cooperation that remains a key pillar to the achievement of sustainable development in the mutually beneficial interest of stronger and weaker states.

International cooperation is the fulcrum for sustainable development (Kaydor, 2024). First, international cooperation impacts sustainable development because it is through cooperation that states can attain mutually beneficial outcomes to address both national, regional, and global challenges and problems. Without international cooperation, states will fail to singularly achieve their national interests. Simply put, all states are interdependent. Second, international cooperation has evolved over time moving beyond the traditional practice of bilateral and multilateral cooperation to now include global governance that involves trans governmental networks; transnational private governance; and transnational public-private partnership processes. These global networks are complex but help states and non-state actors to cooperate in attaining national, regional, and global development outcomes bordered on the security of states and the welling of their people. For instance, Liberia just documented citizens of Burkina Faso who have migrated to some counties in the South-Eastern Region. Regional solidarity is needed to support each other citizens and this is what Liberia is doing. 

AS I SEE IT, there is a need to improve regional international cooperation in ECOWAS by enhancing diplomacy and negotiations to ensure that states and non-state actors further commit and fulfill the principles of global partnership. Liberia is a brainchild of ECOWAS formation. The country also benefitted from the support and assistance of ECOWAS during the Liberian Civil War. ECOMOG came to Liberia and some soldiers of Weast African States died in Liberia during our civil war. These are terrible times for Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. The 3 countries need to advance economic growth and build strong institutions for sustainable development as required under SDG16 on the one hand, while they need to take concrete steps to radically end extreme poverty and pursue the path to sustainable development so their citizens can enjoy the befits of their respective countries, on the other. This can only happen when peace and stability are in place. This is where ECOWAS comes in. The Regional body needs to increase its diplomatic overtures to ensure peace, security, harmony, and National Unity in the region mainly in the countries affected by crises.  Liberia as the lead founder of ECOWAS therefore needs to lead the diplomatic efforts. To help to keep ECOWAS united as a bloc, the Government of Liberia Should Lead Diplomatic Efforts to Keep ECOWAS States together.

About the Author: Prof. Tom Kaydor, Jr. serves as an Assistant Professor at the IBB Graduate School of International Studies. He holds a PhD from the Department of Government and European Studies, the New University, Slovenia where he specialized in International Development and Diplomacy (with Security Aspects). His dissertation topic was ‘Reconceptualizing Africa’s Regional Integration for Peace and Sustainable Development.’ He earned a Master of Public Policy (MPP) specialized in Development Policy or Development Economics with Distinction from the Crawford School of Economics and Government (now the Crawford School of Public Policy), Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. He also obtained a Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations (Highest Distinction) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) Magna Cum Laude in Political Science from the University of Liberia where his Minor was History with Masscom as is his Elective. Tom holds a Diploma in Leading Economic Growth from the Kennedy Graduate School, Harvard University, USA; and he holds other diplomas and certificates in professional fields from Italy, UK, Pakistan, China, and Israel. Prof. Kaydor is also an Adjunct Professor of International Development Studies at the AME University Graduate School. Dr. Kaydor is an evidence-based researcher, a blogger, a columnist, and a published author. One can reach him via (kaydorth@ul.edu.lr or thkaydor@gmail.com). 

Saturday, 7 December 2024

 

The Liberian Government Should Sustainably Manage its Debt Going Forward

Around 2010, the Global Community waived about 4b USD debt for the Republic of Liberia. That was a promise fulfilled in lieu of the Government’s commitment to meeting the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries benchmark. The IMF and World Bank launched the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative in 1996 to ensure that no poor country faces an unmanageable debt burden. In 2005, to accelerate progress toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, the HIPC Initiative was supplemented by the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative. By the end of 2023, the Liberian Government had again recorded a total debt of about 2.6b USD. This constitutes both foreign and domestic debt for the Government and People of Liberia. The President Boakai’s Government which came to power in January 2024 recently completed its National Development Plan, the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID). We are informed that the five-year AAID is costed at about 8.4b USD and will officially be launched in January 2025. This means that the Government needs to cut down on wasteful spending, drastically crack down on corruption and invest in diversified economic growth corridors to grow the economy so that the resources are availed to fund the AAID.

All these need to happen as the global community encounters and addresses global extreme poverty and pandemics like Mpox, etc. Global poverty has reduced because of the growth achievements made by India and the People’s Republic of China (PRC). However, extreme poverty persists in Africa where this researcher hails from. In Africa, poverty is a widespread phenomenon, with about a third of the continent's population living in extreme poverty. The World Bank predicts that Sub-Saharan Africa will be home to the majority of the world's poor by 2030. Liberia is Africa’s first independent Republic and therefore needs to lead by example. The COVID-19 pandemic deepened poverty across all countries and regions. However, the global economy is predicted to grow. Africa now faces yet another pandemic, the Mpox that seems to be under control. Official Development Assistance (ODA) is significantly helping Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to cope with growing development demands from citizens.

ODA impacts extreme poverty in numerous ways, although empirical evidence is required to claim causality. However, the fundamental question is not whether ODA works, but rather how can it be made more effective and efficient? Without peace and stability, fragile states, including the Republic of Liberia, cannot grow their economies to embark on sustainable development. Stability cannot be guaranteed amidst widespread poverty. Pandemics add even more worries to poverty situations when they occur. The extreme poor really suffer the most during pandemics. Therefore, pandemics, instability, fragility, and poverty seem to be positively correlated and they are symbiotic. Hence, they need to be addressed urgently and expeditiously as a global public good. Thankfully, global attention concertedly focused on an end to COVID-19 and the most recent Mpox pandemic so that states can return to a linear development trajectory.

Why I contend that advanced economies need to forgive poor countries’ debts because some of the debts have made no quantum impact on national, regional, or global development, I urge the Government of Liberia and other developing countries to sustainably mange the countries’ debt. In some instances, political elites benefit from donors’ monies more than the poor people themselves. Hence, developed States that provide ODA need to be smart in effectively providing aid. They need to increase their share of ODA to assist LDCs and Middle-Income Countries (MICs) to achieve strategic pro-poor and inclusive growth to help alleviate extreme poverty and engage in wealth creation.

AS I SEE IT, the provision of development assistance does not mean that developing states like Liberia must singularly rely on Official Development Assistance. They need to become innovative to grow their own economies and remain accountable and or transparent in handling development assistance. In some instances, donors need to deploy their citizens or nationals and companies in poor states to implement infrastructural development projects and to address economic growth challenges in receiving states so that the assistance does not easily get corrupted. China and Japan have done this before in Liberia where China built the Ministerial complex directly, and Japan constructed the Japanese Freeway directly using their companies. ODA receiving countries like Liberia need to supervise the projects and program implementation processes by those foreign individuals and companies to mutually prevent corruption.

AS I SEE IT and in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, institutions are deep determinants of growth. Therefore, to alleviate poverty, developing states including Liberia need to build inclusive and effective institutions that will protect the rule of law, property rights, ensure macroeconomic stability, as well as provide public goods and services, and invest in health, education, food security, peace, electricity and engage in infrastructural development to achieve sustainable growth. Both donors and recipients need to target development assistance towards economic growth corridors to help enhance and ignite economic growth. This might better serve the needs of the most excluded and vulnerable. The Government of Liberia should therefore sustainably manage the country's debt portfolio.

About the Author: Prof. Tom Kaydor, Jr. serves as an Assistant Professor at the IBB Graduate School of International Studies. He holds a PhD from the Department of Government and European Studies, the New University, Slovenia where he specialized in International Development and Diplomacy (with Security Aspects). His dissertation topic was ‘Reconceptualizing Africa’s Regional Integration for Peace and Sustainable Development.’ He earned a Master of Public Policy (MPP) specialized in Development Policy or Development Economics with Distinction from the Crawford School of Economics and Government (now the Crawford School of Public Policy), Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. He also obtained a Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations (Highest Distinction) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) Magna Cum Laude in Political Science from the University of Liberia where his Minor was History with Masscom as is his Elective. Tom holds a Diploma in Leading Economic Growth from the Kennedy Graduate School, Harvard University, USA; and he holds other diplomas and certificates in professional fields from Italy, UK, Pakistan, China, and Israel. Prof. Kaydor is also an Adjunct Professor of International Development Studies at the AME University Graduate School. Dr. Kaydor is an evidence-based researcher, a blogger, a columnist, and a published author. One can reach him via (kaydorth@ul.edu.lr or thkaydor@gmail.com).

Sunday, 1 December 2024

 



The Liberian National Legislature Should Legislate a National Holiday for all Presidents’ birthdays

The Republic of Liberia is 177 years old now. The country historically has had 26 presidents. I think it should be 27 Presidents because the present 26 excludes Hon. James Smith who served as Vice President to E. J. Roye whose death the history of Liberia is controversial about. Hon. James Smith is said to have served a “truncated term” as Acting President after the controversial death of Edwin James Roye (the issue is being researched and discussed in my upcoming peer-reviewed “Liberia’s Presidential/political History”). I have observed that Liberians individually like or love some presidents and dislike or hate others. As a Political Scientist, I understand that this is normal/usual about human beings. We all either hate/oppose or like/love certain people wrongfully or rightfully. This is about our feelings. For whatever we think and will think about all our former, current, and future National Presidents, I hold the view that we should celebrate whatever gains they have made and will make for Liberia. Imagine that Liberia has had the first female elected President in Africa. She is former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Imagine also, Liberia has had the singular African winner of the Ballon d'Or as the Country’s President. He is former President George Manneh Weah. Don’t we need to celebrate their birthdays too? Let us celebrate all our National Leaders for their service to the Republic of Liberia.

 

November 29th was celebrated once again as former President William V.S Tubman’s 129th birth anniversary. Just after that, November 30th, 2024, was the 80th birth anniversary of H.E. Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s birthday anniversary also. President Boakai’s birthday was quietly celebrated not only because it is not a national holiday, but also due to the demise of former Senator Prince Y. Johnon from Nimba County, and the death of Hon. John Gray, former Vice President from Grand Cape Mount who served under President Moses Z. Blah from Nimba. President Boakai’s birth anniversary also coincided with the resumption of the direct flight of Ethiopian Airlines to the Republic of Liberia’s Roberts International Airport (RIA). Senator Johnson and Nimba County played a pivotal role in the election of President Boakai. Thank God the Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koon, Liberia’s current Vice President, was politically groomed by the late Senator Johnson. Historically, President Blah served a shorter Presidential Term in recent times just as former Vice President Hon. James Smith. This could be one of the reasons Hon. James Smith should have been listed as a former President (to be discussed later in full).

 

While I was drafting this opinion on President Tubman’s birth anniversary, a presenter on the ELBC morning show (name withheld) said that “ President Tubman was a Grebo man.” I was shocked by the open declaration on the state radio because this was a historic falsehood. I needed to promptly make the correction. Therefore, I posted on Facebook saying “Happy November 29th. I just listened to a presenter on ELBC who said President Tubman was a Grebo man. That is historically wrong because Tubman was not a Grebo Man.” Surprisingly, the post attracted a lot of reactions. Some of the reactors displayed a deep-seated ignorance about Tubman’s tribal origin showing an adequate lack of knowledge about the History of Identity in Liberia. Even some of my colleagues, that I expected to be aware of this historical piece of information came arguing about Tubman’s tribal lineage. What puzzled me most was not the argument and counter argument, but that some people I expected to know this did not know. I am therefore made to believe that the scholars in the Liberia academic space need to do more research and published peer-reviewed historical texts about Liberia’s history. This History of Liberia needs to be written and rewritten always. It is possible that the current generation of Liberia has some information gap about the political history of the country. If that is the case just as this President’s issue has unearthed, Then future generations stand to equally get misinformed about several historical facts on Liberia. Hence, there is a need to vigorously teach Liberian History and Civics with the Constitution in all our schools.

Briefly about former President Tubman, he was born in Maryland County, but that does not make him a Grebo man. Any of the tribes could be born anywhere, but our law says you come from your father’s lineage. Tubman’s parents migrated from the United States of America. They were part of the founders of a free slave enclave called Maryland in Africa. There were series of tribal wars between the Americo Liberian settlers and the Grebo people over land acquisition and territorial expansion (to be fully discussed another time). So, President Tubman was a descendent of the settlers in Maryland. He was an Americo Liberian, not a Grebo man like me as other people think and believe. Historically, there has been no Grebo man who became President of Liberia. I was born in Harrisburg where my mother hails from, but my father originated from Maryland then. He was a Grebo man. So, I am a Grebo man today. Presently, my hometown falls in Grand Kru County. Interestingly though, some people think that I am a Kru man simply because my County is called Grand Kru. However, people need to know that the Grebo people are the majority in Grand Kru County. I am not a tribalist, but I strongly believe that Liberia’s History should be rightfully written and explained. The Truth remains my guidepost.

AS I SEE IT, and as it is, Liberia only celebrates the birth anniversaries of two of its former presidents as National Holidays. Liberia nationally celebrates the birth anniversary of former President Joseph Jekins Roberts, first President of the Republic, and that of former  President William V.S Tubman, the 18th President of the Republic. Should we not celebrate the birthdays of the rest? All other Presidents’ birth anniversaries are not legislated as National Holidays. Do we need to make all their birth anniversaries National Holidays? No! I do not think so. If we did so, we would have about a whole month for former Presidents’ birth anniversaries as National holidays. Did all former Presidents of Liberia do something that the country should celebrate? Yes! I think all of them have done and will do good things. I therefore think and strongly recommend to the National Legislature to kindly legislate a single National Holiday to celebrate all our presidents up to now and in the future. This is why I am recommending the legislation of what I prefer to be called a “National Presidents’ Day.” If this were legislated, no president’s birth anniversary would be left out now and in the future.

 

About the Author: Prof. Tom Kaydor, Jr. serves as an Assistant Professor at the IBB Graduate School of International Studies. He holds a PhD from the Department of Government and European Studies, the New University, Slovenia where he specialized in International Development and Diplomacy (with Security Aspects). His dissertation topic was ‘Reconceptualizing Africa’s Regional Integration for Peace and Sustainable Development’. He earned a Master of Public Policy (MPP) specialized in Development Policy or Development Economics with Distinction from the Crawford School of Economics and Government (now the Crawford School of Public Policy), Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. He also obtained a Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations (Highest Distinction) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) Magna Cum Laude in Political Science from the University of Liberia where his Minor was History with Masscom as is his Elective. Tom holds a Diploma in Leading Economic Growth from the Kennedy Graduate School, Harvard University, USA; and he holds other diplomas and certificates in professional fields from Italy, UK, Pakistan, China, and Israel. Prof. Kaydor is also an Adjunct Professor of International Development Studies at the AME University Graduate School. Dr. Kaydor is an evidence-based researcher, a blogger, a columnist, and a published author. One can reach him via (kaydorth@ul.edu.lr or thkaydor@gmail.com).

Sunday, 24 November 2024

Liberia needs to Invest in Agriculture and Transportation to End Extreme Poverty

                                                                                  


                      

Liberia needs to Invest in Agriculture and Transportation to End  Extreme Poverty

Development is the sustainable availability of socio-economic opportunities for everyone in a particular society. The Government has the authority and responsibility to ensure this happens. This simply means that development must be inclusive, and rights based and intentionally deliberate. I chose to define development in such simple manner because I want my readers to grasp the context of this paper from the very beginning. There is a need for social economic opportunities for all Liberians. When all Liberians thrive, Liberia will prosper. Liberia’s longstanding development strategy has not worked for centuries because it has focused on the exportation of primary goods or commodities. The ongoing Liberian development plan that is being formulated should therefore be focused on a social economic and environmental phenomenon that relies heavily on the export of finished products and manufactured commodities rather than primary products from the country.

In Liberia, the population that lives in areas where natural resources are extracted from for export are worse off than the Center that is better off in terms of all opportunities. The gap between the rich (Center) and the poor (periphery) has been widening for decades. It still grows bigger today. Majority of Liberians survive on subsistent agriculture. Agriculture is therefore one of the key investment sectors that the Government needs to invest in as an economic growth corridor. When the country invests in Agriculture, food crop farmers and their cash crop counterparts will live profitably and the middle class in the country could grow bigger. Farmers’ income  might increase; their living standard might equally improve, and their lifespan could rise. Thankfully, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai comes with huge experience from the agricultural sector. Therefore, his campaign agenda, the ARREST Agenda, begins with an “A” (which stands for Agriculture). 

AS I SEE IT, to score significant points in reducing poverty and inequality in the country, Liberia needs to increase the production of food. Once the country can produce more for its own consumption, the surplus or excess products could be exported. Increase export from Liberia will bring in more foreign currency (fx). When the country exports more and attracts increased FX, its balance of trade condition might improve. This might lead to an increase in the income of all including rural farmers. This means that the income of those rural farmers would rise once they are able to freely access both domestic and international markets and easily transport their excess goods to markets locally and internationally. This is why the Government needs to invest massively in economic infrastructure especially roads or transportation. Connecting rural farmers to local and international markets is quintessential to bridging the poverty and inequality gap in Liberia. If other countries can lift millions of their citizens out of poverty, why Can’t Liberia lift its entire population of a little over 5 million citizens out of poverty?

AS I SEE IT, huge investment in the agricultural sector might lead to balanced political and socio-economic national development. With adequate linkages to other existing sectors, Liberia could develop into a private sector driven economy with inclusive and strong political and economic institutions. This could lead to the creation of more economic opportunities including job creation. Liberia needs to therefore invest heavily in agriculture to create a larger middle class.  An investment in agriculture requires substantial investment in the construction of roads across the country. Therefore, the National Legislature needs to place a priority on Agriculture and Roads in the 2nd National Budget of the country under this Government. You may wish to ask, does Prof. Kaydor farm? Yes, he owns over 20 acres sugarcane farm in Harrisburg, Montserrado, his birthplace. He also engages  in other agricultural activities in his home county, Grand Kru.

About the Author: Prof. Tom Kaydor, Jr. serves as an Assistant Professor at the IBB Graduate School of International Studies. He holds a PhD from the Department of Government and European Studies, the New University, Slovenia where he specialized in International Development and Diplomacy (with Security Aspects). His dissertation topic was ‘Reconceptualizing Africa’s Regional Integration for Peace and Sustainable Development.’ He earned a Master of Public Policy (MPP) specialized in Development Policy or Development Economics with Distinction from the Crawford School of Economics and Government (now the Crawford School of Public Policy), Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. He also obtained a Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations (Highest Distinction) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) Magna Cum Laude in Political Science from the University of Liberia. Tom holds a Diploma in Leading Economic Growth from the Kennedy Graduate School, Harvard University, USA; and he holds other diplomas and certificates in professional fields from Italy, UK, Pakistan, China and Israel, Prof. Kaydor is also an Adjunct Professor of Development Studies at the AME University Graduate School. Dr. Kaydor is an evidence-based researcher, a blogger, a columnist, and a published author. One can reach him via (kaydorth@ul.edu.lr or thkaydor@gmail.com).

Tuesday, 19 November 2024

Prof Tom Kaydor books

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=thomas+kaydor%2C+jr&crid=3267ACAUW6A82&sprefix=%2Caps%2C749&ref=nb_sb_ss_recent_1_0_recent

Sunday, 17 November 2024

Government of Liberia Needs to Investigate the Nekoteck STEM Scholarship

 


Government of Liberia Needs to Investigate the Nekoteck STEM Scholarship

The Government of the Republic of Liberia through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a Stem Scholarship for Liberian students wishing to undertake master degrees studies in the United States of America and Canada. STEM stands for Science, Tehcnology, Engineering and Mathematics. This means that for any Liberian student to qualify for such master program, he/she must have obtained a Bachelor degree in the natural Sciences. According to the Foreign Ministry, “the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are handling the  processes for this scholarship and the scholarship has been negotiated by a third party named NEKOTECH under a loan scheme” (MFA Press Briefing, 2024). The Liberian Constitution indicates that if any entity in the government would like to contract or secure a loan for Liberia, such loan must first be ratified by the Liberian National Legislature. What are the terms and conditions for the loan to fund this scholarship? Has the National Legislature ratified the loan? The President of the Republic of Liberia officially launched the scholarship program. After this, debates abound in public that the scholarship program is a “scam.” Was the President made to launch a “Scammed scholarship program”? God forbid. The President launched the scholarship program out of love for building the capacities of Liberia’s future generations. It is therefore my hope that the Scholarship program is not a “scam” as is being debated.

From my experience, the Foreign Ministry does not need a third party company to find scholarships for Liberian students wishing to write their master degrees in the Stem or any other areas. The Foreign Ministry gets scholarships from several countries around the world. For instance, the governments of Israel, India, China, Australia, Pakistan, Austria, Morocco, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Italy, the United States, Ghana, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Turkey, Mexico, and several other countries have been offering scholarships to Liberia through the Foreign  Ministry. Simply put, most if not all governments in the world have given Liberian scholarships. So, why should the Foreign Ministry get third parties like NEKOTECH involved to front for government scholarship program that is being considered a “scam”? Traditionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gets scholarships for technical, undergraduate, master, and even doctoral degrees in some instances. All that is required is that the Foreign Ministry needs to express Liberia’s interest in the areas of preference (s) that the country wants its citizens to gain an education. Interestingly also, this is a “loan scheme” that must be ratified by the National Legislature. Has the National Legislature ratified the Loan of about $26Million US?

AS I SEE IT, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can attract thousands of undergraduate, graduated/post-graduate or tertiary scholarships. The Ministry simply needs to express its interest and lobby with friendly governments. So, why should Liberia vouch for a loan scheme for 250 Liberians to study abroad for master’s degrees in the STEM area? The government does not need loan (s) and third parties to negotiate scholarships with other governments. In time past, some governments gave about five hundred scholarships annually to graduates of high schools to study from bachelor’s to doctoral degree levels. Thousands of scholarships have come through the Foreign Ministry. For example, this writer competed for and won the Australian Awards Scholarship. This was how he studied for his second master’s degree (master’s in public policy-MPP) at the Australian National University where he specialised in Development Policy or Development Economics with distinction in 2014. Why going to school, he was paid $3,000 Australian Dollars monthly ($1,500.00 biweekly) by the Australian Government. This was not a “loan scheme.” After graduation, you were required to return home and work for your county for at least 3 years before migrating back to Australia if you wanted to. Today, Liberia does not qualify for the Australia Awards Scholarship Program. Why? Because the Government through the Foreign Ministry has not requested the Australian Government to renew the program. Why can’t they? The Ministry simply needs to write a justification why Liberians need to benefit from such program again. I am certain that the many graduates from Australian Universities could help the Ministry/Government to prepare the documentation for this process based on request from the Government.

AS I SEE IT, the Government of the Republic must investigate news about the scholarship program being a “scam” so that it can quickly inform the public on the truth because students have already applied and are applying. Many more will apply because they believe in the Government. Immediate steps should/must be taken to arrest this globally embarrassing situation. Adequate steps must also be taken to tell Liberians the truth. The Government needs to urgently address this embarrassment. Therefore, the Government needs to thoroughly investigate the veracity about this scholarship program to get the facts and share with the public as soon as possible. This could help to restore and increase confidence in all scholarship processes by the Government. The Government and people of Liberia are not prepared to belief this information about a “fake scholarship” deal led by the Government. It is hoped that the Government will do the right thing.

About the Author: Prof. Tom Kaydor, Jr. holds a PhD from the Department of Government and European Studies, the New University, Slovenia where he researched International Development and Diplomacy (with Security Aspects). His dissertation topic was ‘Reconceptualizing Africa’s Regional Integration for Peace and Sustainable Development.’ He earned a Master of Public Policy (MPP) specialized in Development Policy or Development Economics with Distinction from the Crawford School of Economics and Government (now the Crawford School of Public Policy), Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. He also obtained a Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations (Highest Distinction) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) Magna Cum Laude in Political Science from the University of Liberia where he currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the IBB Graduate School of International Studies. He also holds a Diploma in Leading Economic Growth from the Kennedy Graduate School, Harvard University, USA; and he holds other diplomas and certificates in professional fields from Italy, UK, Pakistan, China and Israel, Prof. Kaydor is equally an Adjunct Professor of Development Studies at the AME University Graduate School. Dr. Kaydor is an evidence-based researcher, a blogger, a columnist, and a published author. One can reach him via (kaydorth@ul.edu.lr or thkaydor@gmail.com).

 

 

 

Saturday, 9 November 2024

 


A Call on the Government to Implement Article 10 of the Liberian Constitution

In Chapter II: General Principles of National Policy, the 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia states in Article 10 that “the Republic shall ensure the publication and dissemination of this Constitution throughout the Republic and the teaching of its principles and provisions in all institutions of learning in Liberia”. Since its passage, the Government of the Republic of Liberia has failed to fulfil and fully implement this part of the Organic Law of the Land. Therefore, several Liberians including scholars or researchers do not seem to understand what the Constitution says or entails. Children that were born when the 1986 Constitution was formulated and ratified by the people through a referendum are now about 38 years old. Some people blame the war for this, but this writer disagrees because the war ended in 2003 with the election of Africa’s first woman Head of State and Government, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in 2005.

The Liberian Constitution has not been fully disseminated by the Government, AS I see it. Those who possess printed or online copies of this Constitution either purchased it for themselves or got it through other means. The Constitution should be made a compulsory subject or course of study by the Liberian Government. This might help to remedy the knowledge or constitutional awareness gap. H.E Joseph Nyuma Boakia, President of the Republic of Liberia indicated that “there will be no business as usual” (Boakai, 2024). This agrees that there should be no bad business as usual. One old business that should not be a usual thing is the Government’s failure to fully implement this Constitutional Article or National Policy-dissemination and teaching of the Constitution of the Republic in all institutions of learning. This Constitutional clause might be simple, but it is very essential for state building of the Nation-State and the bridge of existing knowledge gap.  

Constitutional law is a body of law which defines the role, powers, and structure of different entities within a state, namely, the executive, the parliament or legislature, and the judiciary. It prescribes the basic rights of citizens and, in federal countries such as the United States, Nigeria and Canada, the relationship between the central government and state, provincial, or territorial governments. Not all nation-states have codified constitutions, though all such states have a ‘jus commune’, or law of the land, that may consist of a variety of imperative and consensual rules. These may include customary lawconventionsstatutory lawjudge-made law, or international rules, or norms, etc. Constitutional law deals with the fundamental principles by which the government exercises its authority. In some instances, these principles grant specific powers to the government, such as the power to impose taxes and spend for the welfare of the population. Other times, constitutional principles act to place limits on what the government can do, such as prohibiting the arrest of an individual or a group without sufficient cause, etc.

In most nations, such as the Liberia, United StatesIndia, Nigeria, Singapore, etc., constitutional law is based on the text of a document ratified at the time the nation came into being. Other constitutions, notably that of the United Kingdom, rely heavily on uncodified rules, as several legislative statutes and constitutional conventions, etc. The 1847 Constitution was suspended by the Military Junta on April 12, 1980, when the Military overthrew the Government then led by former President William R. Tolbert, Jr. The Military later transformed itself into a civilian government and enacted the 1986 Constitution of the Republic.

As I SEE IT, there is a need for the Liberian National Legislature to allocate resources in the National Budget to print and disseminate the Liberian Constitution. Some Non-Governmental Organizations in Liberia could and should take an advantage of this national gap to raise funds for the education of Liberians on their Constitution. The National Legislature and the President as Head of State need to ensure that this Constitution is taught in all institutions of learning in the Republic of Liberia. This is paramount because so many literate Liberians who should be able to understand and interpret the Liberian Constitution are simply unable to do so. Some Leaders in Liberia do not also understand the Constitution. Such people are found in all branches of the Government, the academic community and anywhere else in the Country. This is a national problem and catastrophe that must be urgently addressed. At the primary and secondary school level, the Ministry of Education needs to introduce and enforce teaching of the Liberian Constitution. As part of this subject, Liberian Civics could be lumped in and taught. At higher education and technical schools’ levels, there should be a national enforcement of the compulsory teaching of the Constitution of Liberia. AS I SEE IT, the Liberian Government needs to take an Affirmation Action to ensure that Article 10 of the Liberian Constitution is fully implemented and enforced.

About the Author: Prof. Tom Kaydor, Jr. holds a PhD from the Department of Government and European Studies, the New University, Slovenia where he researched International Development and Diplomacy (with Security Aspects). His dissertation topic was ‘Reconceptualizing Africa’s Regional Integration for Peace and Sustainable Development.’ He earned a Master of Public Policy (MPP) specialized in Development Policy or Development Economics with Distinction from the Crawford School of Economics and Government (now the Crawford School of Public Policy), Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. He also obtained a Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations (Highest Distinction) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) Magna Cum Laude in Political Science from the University of Liberia where he currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the IBB Graduate School of International Studies. He also holds a Diploma in Leading Economic Growth from the Kennedy Graduate School, Harvard University, USA; and he holds other diplomas and certificates in professional fields from Italy, UK, Pakistan, China and Israel, Prof. Kaydor is equally an Adjunct Professor of Development Studies at the AME University Graduate School. Dr. Kaydor is an evidence-based researcher, a blogger, a columnist, and a published author. One can reach him via (kaydorth@ul.edu.lr or thkaydor@gmail.com).

 

 

Sunday, 3 November 2024

The Need to Conduct Chieftaincy Elections in Liberia

 

The Need to Conduct Chieftaincy Elections in Liberia

The 1986 Liberian Constitution was adopted on 6 January 1986, replacing the 1847 Constitution that had been suspended in 1980. The 1986 Constitution guarantees the rights of all Liberians, regardless of their background, tribe and religion and establishes a democratic society. 

The constitution protects fundamental rights such as the right to liberty, life, and property, as well as the right to equal protection under the law. It also prohibits slavery and forced labour. The constitution guarantees equality for all people, regardless of race, gender, origin, political party, or creed. It aims to strengthen national unity and integration and encourages citizens to participate in government (see Article 1). The president is the Head of State, Head of Government, and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia. The Constitution provides for periodic elections so that the people of Liberia can freely elect their leaders. It is organized into chapters, including the structure of the state, fundamental rights, the Legislature, the Executive, the Judiciary, etc. Article 56 of the Constitution indicates that:

a.       “All cabinet ministers, deputy and assistant cabinet ministers, ambassadors, ministers and consuls, superintendents of counties and other government officials, both military and civilian, appointed by the President pursuant to this Constitution shall hold their offices at the pleasure of the President.

b.      There shall be elections of Paramount, Clan, and Town Chiefs by the registered voters in their respective localities, to serve for a term of six years. They may be re-elected and may be removed only by the President for proved misconduct. The Legislature shall enact laws to provide for their qualifications as may be required.”

Members of the House of Representatives were reminded by a communication from Nimba County District # 3 Representative, Nehker Gaye. Rep. Gaye who claimed that “the prolonged delay in conducting such elections violated Article 56 B of the 1986 constitution”. According to him and this writer agrees that “the law provides that there shall be elections of Paramount, Clan, and Town Chiefs by the registered voters in their respective localities, to serve for a term of six years, and that they may be re-elected and may be removed only by the President for proved misconduct”.  This action was in the right direction and the National Legislature must take it seriously through an affirmative action. It has been 21 years since the end of Liberia’s Civil War.

To the best of my recollection, Liberian has not held any chieftaincy elections since the end of the Civil War in 2003 that witnessed the arrival of ECOMIL which later became UNMIL, the largest UN Peace keeping troops globally then. The fulfilment of the Constitution assures democratic governance. It guarantees peace, security, and national unity. The basic unit of any society is the family. Families in Liberia have their roots from villages, quarters, towns, clans, chieftaincies, districts, and counties. The national traditional structures are organized in ways that accommodate for Quarter Chiefs, Town Chiefs, Clan Chiefs, and Paramount Chiefs. Once these traditional structures are effectively organised; they will help support the county and national government to preside over the state substructures and regulate the Republic in a decentralised and acceptable manner.

AS I SEE IT, Liberia’s acceptable cultural or traditional values could gain prominence and be upheld. I can recall that back in 2004/2005 we formed part of a research team sponsored by UNDP through a national NGO called RECEIVED that undertook a research project on the traditional forms of peacebuilding in Liberia. That research found out that the traditional structures of the state, which help to build and keep peace locally and nationally, have broken down. That research also found that intermarriage can promote peace and curb national, tribal cultural and religious tensions and existential conflicts in Liberia. Without doubt, all chiefs around the country are acting. They are not elected in line with Article 56B of the Constitution.

AS I SEE IT, after electing a new national government in 2023; this is another opportunity for the government to restore an elected national structure in line with the Constitution of the Republic. Constituting this community-based leadership structure will not only help the leadership and governance of local communities, but also, support the national government to lead legitimately. The National Legislature needs to ensure that these local elections are held across the country to help resolve the crisis of legitimacy. Liberia needs elected chiefs in the villages, towns, clans, chiefdoms, districts, counties, and country at large. By so doing, Liberia would have a constitutionally recognised national and local constitutional authority. The National Government with its authority will not be every where but these locally elected traditional authorities will be there to administer and lead the local communities. The National Legislature must ensure that the National Elections Commission appear before its relevant budget committees to present and discuss the budget for these elections and put this in the National Budget for the Executive to sign. The Liberian Immigration Service (LIS) is present at 48 of the 178 entry points around Liberia. Undoubtedly, these local authorities have also been keeping the borders and entry points intact. They help to keep law and order as well as build or and make peace.

 

About the Author: Prof. Tom Kaydor, Jr. holds a PhD from the Department of Government and European Studies, the New University, Slovenia where he researched International Development and Diplomacy (with Security Aspects). His dissertation topic was ‘Reconceptualizing Africa’s Regional Integration for Peace and Sustainable Development.’ He earned a Master of Public Policy (MPP) specialized in Development Policy or Development Economics with Distinction from the Crawford School of Economics and Government (now the Crawford School of Public Policy), Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. He also obtained a Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations (Highest Distinction) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) Magna Cum Laude in Political Science from the University of Liberia where he currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the IBB Graduate School of International Studies. He also holds a Diploma in Leading Economic Growth from the Kennedy Graduate School, Harvard University, USA; and he holds other diplomas and certificates in professional fields from Italy, UK, Pakistan, China and Israel, Prof. Kaydor is equally an Adjunct Professor of Development Studies at the AME University Graduate School. Dr. Kaydor is an evidence-based researcher, a blogger, a columnist, and a published author. He can be reached via (kaydorth@ul.edu.lr).

 

 

Sunday, 27 October 2024

We Welcome the Doctoral Programs at the University of Liberia

                                                                         

We Welcome the Doctoral Programs at the University of Liberia

In 1851, the Republic of Liberia founded the Liberia College of Social Sciences and Humanities now renamed the Amos C. Sawyer College of Social Sciences and Humanity in honor of the late Dr. Amos C. Sawyer, former Dean of the College. I graduated from the Liberia College of Social Sciences and Humanities from the Political Science Department as the dux for the entire College with Magna Cum Laude in Political Science. I had the second Highest average at the University in the Class of 2001/2002 which graduated on 28th May 2003. My emphasis was in Comparative Government and Politics. My Minor was in History (European History) and my Electives in Mass Communication (Print media). All my studies were done within the Liberia College. Those days all colleges at the University graduated together on a Wednesday (we will discuss why Wednesdays later time). Liberia College became operational in 1862 (https://ul.edu.lr/new/). Later, about 100 years after the declaration of the College in 1951, the University of Liberia was created through an Act of the Legislature. The Republic of Liberia now had its first University. No other existed then.

“In 1862, the first President of the Republic of Liberia, H.E Joseph Jerkins Roberts, was inaugurated as the first President of Liberia College” (https://ul.edu.lr/new/history/). In fact former President William R. Tolbert graduated from Liberia College as the dux for the College like me. Interestingly, with two professors, “Rev. Alexander Cromwell and Professor Dr. Edward Wilmot Blyden, President Roberts opened the doors of Liberia College in February 1863 to 7 students (Ibid.). My former Dean, Prof. Joseph Barlefay, orally told us then that the College was operated somewhere on Clay Street. I am still looking for a written History on this this and the entire University (Dean Barlayfaye was one of the signatories to the 1986 Liberia Constitution representing Bong County). Documenting the History of the University of Liberia could be a worthy research project sponsored by the School. Today, the University of Liberia is operated on four campuses: the first at the Capitol Hill, the Second at the Medical College around the St. Joseph Catholic Hospital, the third at Fendall, and the last in Sinje, Grand Cape mount County.

When the University was chartered by the National Government, it only offered undergraduate degrees. This meant that students wanting to obtain a Master Degree in any of the academic disciplines offered at the University and elsewhere if any then needed to travel out of Liberia to get a masters degree. Master degrees could not be obtained in Liberia then (we will later discuss the history of Masters degrees being offered in Liberia). Notably, a 76-year Oldman was the oldest graduate from the MBA/MPA program in academic year 2020/2021at the graduate School when I served as an Academic Coordinator at then. He confided in me that he was the first to obtain a Master degree in his family. President William V.S Tubman opened the John F. Kennedy Memorial Medical Center (JFK) as the Teaching Hospital of the University of Liberia. Today, the Political System in Liberia runs or operate the JFK Memorial Hospital as an entity on its own. The University does not control JFK as its teaching hospital. Imagine that! Students from the Medical School and the School of Pharmacy as well as their professors are still required to practice at this teaching Hospital owned by the University. JFK is also Liberia’s primary referral Medical Institution in the Country. We will discuss this symbiotic relationship between the UL and JFK later time.

Fast forward, graduate studies began with a Diploma in Regional Science and Planning, now the Graduate School in Regional Science and Planning. Later H.E Samuel Kanyon Doe, former President of the Republic of Liberia, negotiated with his Colleague and counterpart, H.E Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to assist him open a master’s degree Program in Political Science at the University. Former President Doe had graduated from Liberia College’s Political Science Department as dux also and needed his Master’s degree in Political Science. This was how The Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Graduate School of International Studies was created in the late 1980s. Unfortunately, Samuel Doe  did not obtain the Master of Arts degree in International Relations when the Civil War broke out and he got killed. One of his classmates, the late Prof. Alhaji G.V Kromah and I graduated as classmates on 29th April 2009. I was the dux for the entire University by then, and the President of IBB. Professor Kromah taught International Law at the School prior to his demise.

I graduated with Highest Distinction. The University would have a single Touch Brearer usually from the undergraduate school those days because the University was originally an undergraduate University. I was denied the touch because of such regime in 2009. Presently, there are different graduation days for colleges and Graduate and Professional programs like law, medical and School of Pharmacy. In fact the University Charter has not been revised since 1951. The very Charter I had and used as Chairman of the ever potent Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP) from 2001 to 2002 remains the same Charter that is in force today. Imagine that!! The Liberia National Legislature that nominates its representatives to the UL Board according to the Charter has never seen the reason to revise the Charter. The University authorities proposed a new draft, but it was never enacted (passed by the Liberia National Legislature and signed by the President). As I see it, there is a need to revise the Charter to make it contemporary because some of the existing structures and positions created at the University do not align with the University’s 1951 Charter. The Legislature and the University Administration must act to remedy this problem.

On Wednesday, 23rd October 2024, the University officially launched its Doctoral Programs under the presidency of H.E Joseph Nyuma Boakai. President Boakai graduated from the University of Liberia from the College of Business. The initial Doctoral Programs are in the areas of Public Health and Education Administration/Supervision. The graduate and research program/department presently offers separate  Master Degrees in Public Health and Education Administration/Supervision. It also offers master degrees in International Relations, Regional Science and Planning, Environmental Science and Climate Change, and Peace and Conflict Studies. The University is neither offering master degrees nor Doctoral Programs in all academic disciplines that it offers at the undergraduate levels. I pray and hope it will do some day to allow Liberians the opportunity to study what they prefer in their own country.  Other disciplines that are offering graduate degrees could develop their doctoral programs going forward when they have the qualified and competent faculties as required universally in the context of academic rigors. At the University level, generally Masters should teach Bachelor’s degree programs, Doctoral degrees should teach Master degree students and Drs. Should teach doctoral students. I am aware that in some cases this has not been the case. This must change. We have qualified and competent Liberians in and out of the country. Simply recruit them based on merit and pay them well  on time.

The University like anywhere else in Liberia has got some problems/challenges. Poor Infrastructure is one of the key challenges at the University. Low wages with delayed Salaries is another. Lack of universal access to internet is yet another. Infrequent electricity is the other. The Board of Directors, now chaired by a Senator, with the Administration at the University must take responsibility of these challenges and problems. The transformation of the dilapidated infrastructure at the University needs to occur. There needs to be an upgrade to accommodate the existing undergraduate, graduate, or post graduate programs. Professors’ salaries need to be increased and paid on time. You cannot let professors and staff work without pay for months. Such things invite corruption in some instances. In fact low and delayed salaries lead to Part-time faculties holding full-time jobs and working as part-time lecturers at the University. As this writing goes on, Part-time Teachers have not been paid for last academic year yet. I am highly uncertain that the University will begin the new academic year this month. If this happens in 2024, I will remain grateful to God. The University needs to and must support research and innovation. We fund our personally research initiatives.

The University runs its own budget annually, and  all graduate students and Law School Students pay for their studies ($US150.00 for registration and US$75.00 for a credit hour). Undergraduate school is now tuition free. Former President George Weah without consultation with the Board and Administration made that tuition free policy pronouncement abruptly. We Were there. This Government must refine the policy to its liking. Should public schools’ students attend tuition free higher Education schools without any responsibility to the State? There should be a requirement for National Service for all such students after graduation for instance. Other Liberians are paying their hard earned monies at Private Institutions. The State has the responsibility to empower its key resource for development (the people). Where does the money raised by the University go? Where does the University budget go? As I see it, The University of Liberia needs to be and must be audited. Salaries at University are about US$1.5 million monthly. This means about US $18M is spent on salaries annually. Presently, the University has about US$32m annual budget in the 2024 National Budget. Besides upgrading the archaic infrastructure, we need constant supply of high speed internet with constant supply of electricity. In fact, these are things that students, professors and other researchers could use to produce and advance innovative actions through Research and Innovation. Times have changed. The University must also change with times by promoting, investing in, and adequately supporting research and innovation.

AS I SEE IT, the University of Liberia can, should and must serve as an engine of economic growth for Liberia. Other Higher institutions of learning must also do. I therefore welcome the Doctoral Programs launched on Wednesday, 23rd October 2024 at the University of Liberia. Let us make the University work in the best interest of the Nation. There are competent, professional, and qualified Liberians in and outside of Liberia that can be meritoriously recruited and paid handsomely to teach at the University of Liberia. Every county or district or town, etc. in Liberia has a student at the University of Liberia. I hope H.E Joseph Nyuma Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia and the Visitor to the University of the University of Liberia who himself is a graduate of the University will appoint the President of the University of Liberia without further delays. One of Africa’s oldest Universities needs a President immediately. Liberia, Africa’s oldest Republic, deserves a Doctoral Program. The launch of the doctoral program is long overdue but welcomed now. Congratulations to the Government of the Republic and University authorities.

About the Author: Prof. Tom Kaydor, Jr. holds a PhD from the Department of Government and European Studies, the New University, Republic of Slovenia where he researched International Development and Diplomacy (with Security Aspects). His dissertation topic was ‘Reconceptualizing Africa’s Regional Integration for Peace and Sustainable Development.’ He earned his second master’s degree as a Master of Public Policy (MPP) specialized in Development Policy or Development Economics with Distinction from the Crawford School of Economics and Government (now the Crawford School of Public Policy), Australian National University, Canberra, Australia on 17 December 2014. He obtained his first master’s degree as Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations (Highest Distinction) in 2009 and Bachelor of Arts (BA) Magna Cum Laude in Political Science in 2003 from the University of Liberia where he currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the IBB Graduate School of International Studies. He also holds a Diploma in Leading Economic Growth from the Kennedy Graduate School, Harvard University, USA; and he holds other diplomas and certificates in professional fields. Prof. Kaydor is equally an Adjunct Professor of Development Studies at the AME University Graduate School. Dr. Kaydor is an evidence-based researcher and a published author. One can reach him via (kaydorth@ul.edu.lr or +231777027180/+231555266613).