PHOTO: Madam Burnis Kabay Williams making Liberia proud abroad in Academia
By Frank Sainworla, Jr. fasinworla@yahoo.com
Some Liberians studying abroad continue to make their country proud by putting up outstanding performance in their areas of studies and the latest to come up in flying colors is Madam Burnis Kabay Williams who has just received an Excellence Award as she graduated with a Master of Philosophy degree in Basic Education from Ghana’s 3rd ranking, University of Cape Coast (UCC).
At a vibrant ceremony on Thursday, April 24, 2024, in Cape Coast, she received the “Dean’s Award of Excellence” at the 5th session of the 56th Commencement convocation of UCC, one of Africa’s leading universities.
The University graduated more than 9,000 students in its 5th session. More than 1,000 graduated with a master’s degree, of which 51 earned a Master of Philosophy (MPhil).
In a mobile phone interview with this Liberian Journalist shortly after she received the academic honors, Ms. Williams said, “I cannot just express how I felt, but I was excited” since indeed many Ghanaians told her when she arrived that studies at the UCC were challenging.
This female Liberian educator has not only earned a Master’s Degree in Basic Education, but has specialized in the sciences, something she is encouraging young Liberians to do, to strengthen the foundation of the country’s education system, early childhood education.
An April 16, 2025, letter from the UCC ahead of Thursday’s graduation ceremony said:
According to your records, you have presented your final research paper in partial fulfillment for the award of M. Phil (Basic Education). We are happy to inform you that your work has been identified for the Dean’s Award of Excellence.
Now that she has got her master’s and earned such an award, Madam Burnis Kabay Williams says she plans to return home to Liberia and contribute to strengthening primary education, especially the sciences.
She urged the Liberian government and other institutions to encourage and create opportunities for more young girls and women to enroll in science education.
Data shows that Liberia’s education system is seriously challenged, with early childhood education being in the doldrums, as some efforts are being made by authorities to improve this sector.
According to the Unicef Country Office Annual Report, “In 2023, UNICEF Liberia, in collaboration with sector partners, continued to support the education sector to improve access to quality education. Notable progress was made, particularly in access, resulting in the Net Enrollment Rate (NER) for primary education improving from 43.4% to 46.3%, for Early Childhood Education (ECE) from 47% to 56.9%, and the Gender Index Ratio (GIR) in lower secondary education improved from 49% to 53%. However, the quality of education remains a challenge, with the delayed launch of a national learning assessment system limiting the accuracy of data on the actual status of student learning.” Liberia-2023-COAR
For the award-winning Liberian female educator who has just left the walls of the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, “the sky is the limit” for determined Liberian women who are into early childhood education.
She told this Reporter, her eyes are even set on eventually earning her terminal academic degree, and she wants the Liberian government and others to help push her and other women educators to obtain Ph.D.
Recounting her experience, Buris Williams is advancing to the Government of Liberia, particularly the Ministry of Education to institute a bribe-free educational regime, invest in academic research and fund more graduate and post graduate programs within West Africa which may be cost effective.
Burnis benefited from the World Bank-sponsored ARISE Project under the Ministry of Education of Liberia. Her award-winning research topic, “Influence of Teaching Pedagogy on Students’ Attitude towards primary science in Left Bank#2 Liberia” is archived as a high-ranking research material at the University of Cape Coast.