PHOTO: Diaspora Chairman, John F Lloyd
By Augustine Octavius, augustineoctavius@gmail.com
The Chairman of the All Liberian Diaspora Conference has sent an open letter to President Joseph Boakai offering his full-fledge support for his consideration of the appointment of Dr. John Wulu as President of the University of Liberia.
In a letter dated December 24, 2024 the conference Chairman, John F Lloyd described Dr. Wulu as an accomplished academician, recognized scholar and distinguished Liberian as the next President of UL.
He added that his constructive advice to President Boakai is for the improvement of the educational sector with specific reference to the University of Liberia (UL).
Lloyd explained that the setbacks of Liberia’s recent history as a nation have magnified the need for trained professionals to build capacity for the betterment of the Liberian people.
“Consequently,” he went on, “urgent but strategic action is needed in this direction to revitalize the quality of our preeminent institution of higher learning and guarantee a future of progress for us as a nation.”
According to Mr. Lloyd, with stellar accomplishments, Dr. Wulu stands shoulders above many others with the potential to improve the national university established as the central pillar of higher learning by the forebears.
“His contributions in academia as a scholar and professor spans from Liberia to the great institutions of higher learning in the United States” he said; adding: “These accomplishments are grounded not only in the high-level credentials he worked to achieve over several decades, which include a BSc, MA, MSc, MBA, and PhD, but also through his devotion to high ethical standards and the many contributions he has made to his nation and people.”
Lloyd pointed out that Dr. Wulu’s illustrious career includes roles on the faculty of the University of Liberia, and the Monrovia College and Industrial Training Institute in Liberia.
On the international scene, the conference e chairman explained that Dr Wulu has served on the faculty of major U.S.-based institutions of higher learning including the University of Maryland Global Campus, and Montgomery College with many years of service at strategic U.S. government agencies.
Chairman Lloyd noted that Dr. Wulu’s great passion for educational improvement in Liberia has been consistently shown in his humanitarian support and sponsorship of the John and Minnie Wulu School System, serving over 500 students in Liberia which was established in the memory of his parents.
“I am keenly aware of Dr. Wulu’s bold vision for the University of Liberia, which include his ardent quest for the overall improvement of the quality of learning in an environment with added resources for students, faculty and staff,” he said.
Lloyd indicated that this vision includes a strategic plan to connect with institutions abroad to bring needed resources to the UL and tap the expertise of highly trained Liberians in the Diaspora to lend their services on the faculty of the university.
“I am further assured of Dr. Wulu’s commitment to the ARREST agenda in a bid to empower students and faculty through practical agricultural activities, greater accountability, and transparency in university operations.”
According to Mr. Lloyd, Dr. Wulu’s plans also include strong support for the STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical) education goals.
He said with lengthy experience in academia, his works have been published extensively in reputable journals.
He has also delivered numerous presentations at local international conferences. With much conviction, I remain convinced that Dr. John T. Wulu’s expertise and passion for higher education makes him an excellent choice for appointment as the next President of the University of Liberia.
“In the interest of the furtherance of education as an indispensable element for reconstruction of our nation, I humbly request your kind consideration of this recommendation in the interest of the future of our nation,” he concluded.