Government’s budgetary support to the University of Liberia has increased markedly in the last four years, growing from US$1.1 million in 2006 when President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf came into office, to US$7.5 million under the 2009/2010 national budget. The support accounts for 60 percent of the University’s budget.

According to an Executive Mansion release, the President provided the information Friday, August 20, when she served as guest speaker at the induction ceremony of the University of Liberia Student Union.

“When we came into office in 2006," the President recalled, "the appropriation to the University was a mere US$1.1 million, for a student body of over 15,000 (fifteen thousand).” The Visitor to the University said the amount increased steadily, to US$2.3 million in 2007; US$4.1 million in 2008; and US$7.5 million in 2009, for some 19,000 (nineteen thousand) students.

The Liberian leader acknowledged that while more is required, Government’s financial investment in tertiary education is competitive with other sectors. The President also noted that Government’s commitment and appreciation of the role of the University of Liberia in national redevelopment is unequivocal.

“Our goal is to create a State-run university system that will turn out graduates whose academic profiles match, and even surpass, those of students from other universities in the region and beyond,” the Liberian leader indicated, adding, “let us have no illusions about this goal; it is neither impossible nor utopian; it is realizable and contemporary.”

The President urged the students to take advantage of the opportunities being offered by Government and pay more attention to their studies. The Visitor cautioned the new Student Union leadership to serve as an example that will inspire academic excellence rather than student political rhetoric, which she observed is sometimes used to foster the agenda of self-interested individuals outside the walls of the institution who wish to gain political relevance at their expense. “Say no to all of us, and pay attention to your studies in order to make a difference!” the President admonished the students.

Source: Executive Mansion
 

President Sirleaf speaking at the University of Liberia

Some students and guests at the induction