Sanniquellie — Nimba County University marked a major milestone as it held its first baccalaureate commencement and ninth convocation, celebrating its elevation from a community college to a full-fledged university.
By D Franklin Doloquee
The ceremony drew graduates, families, local leaders and visiting officials, including University of Liberia (UL) President Dr. Layli Maparyan.
Dr. Maparyan praised Nimba University President Dr. Jesse Noah Mongrue for his leadership and dedication for expanding higher education opportunities in Liberia.
She used the occasion to announce a joint initiative between the University of Liberia and Nimba University: six scholarships to support students and faculty at the newly elevated institution.
The scholarships are split between faculty and students. Four awards will enable Nimba University lecturers to pursue advanced degrees at the University of Liberia, while two will support outstanding graduates covering tuition and fees and including mentorship opportunities with senior academics and professionals.
All awards will be opened equally to men and women. Framing the faculty scholarships as part of a long-term strategy to raise academic standards, Dr. Maparyan said,
“You need faculty with advanced degrees, and I know it’s not easy to get advanced degrees.”
She described the awards as a way to strengthen the university’s teaching staff and improve curriculum design, mentoring and research capacity.
The student scholarships target top performers with a demonstrated commitment to community service, with preference given to graduates who intend to return to Nimba County to apply their skills locally.
Dr. Maparyan said the initiative aims to create a pipeline of talent to benefit the region’s schools, clinics and public institutions.
The commencement, held in a packed Administrative Hall, featured colorful regalia, speeches from faculty leaders and celebrations as degree recipients crossed the stage.
Graduates included students from programs in education, business administration, Mining, Agriculture, Nursing , Criminals Justice and community health fields Nimba University has prioritized to meet regional needs.
Family members and community leaders filled the audience, many traveling from across Nimba County to witness the first cohort’s graduation.
Nimba University officials called the scholarships timely and strategic and said they will coordinate with UL to establish transparent selection criteria and support systems for recipients.
University representatives said this scholarship phase is the first step in a broader plan to strengthen academic programs, expand research and deepen community outreach.
Education experts note that investments in faculty development and student support can have a multiplier effect for young institutions: trained lecturers improve teaching and research, which attracts better students and additional funding, while scholarships help retain skilled graduates who might otherwise seek opportunities abroad.
In her remarks to graduates and administrators, Dr. Maparyan encouraged the new alumni to continue striving for excellence, serve their communities and apply their education to Liberia’s growth and development.
“Nimba University is on the move,” she said. “It’s one of the up-and-coming universities of Liberia, and I’m proud to be the big sister of the small sister, Nimba University.”
As the first baccalaureate class departs, Nimba University welcomed renewed commitments from partners and called on alumni and donors to support future phases of development.
Graduates left the ceremony with degrees in hand and a renewed sense of purpose, while faculty and administrators looked ahead to strengthened programs and increased impact across Nimba County and beyond
