PHOTO: Foreign Min. Sara Beysolow Nyanti
JOHNSONSONVILLE, Liberia – For exceptional public services, the United Methodist University (UMU) conferred an honorary Doctorate of Laws (LL.D., Honoris Causa) on Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dean of the Cabinet, Sara Beysolow Nyanti during its 21st Commencement Convocation.
The event, held on the sprawling campus of the United Methodist University on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, also celebrated the graduation of 612 students across UMU’s various colleges, representing a milestone in the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and leadership development.
Minister Nyanti, an ordained Baptist clergy and founding pastor of the Royal Court Parish of Bateemed Christian Church of God in Lagos, Nigeria, was recognized for nearly three decades of distinguished public service, advocacy, and transformational leadership.
She has served at the highest levels of international diplomacy, including as a United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and as South Sudan’s Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, UN Resident Coordinator, and Humanitarian Coordinator.
Honouree’s endeavouring competition
Speaking during the ceremony, Rev. Dr. Anthony G. Dioh, Vice President for Academic Affairs at the United Methodist University, praised the honoree’s enduring impact.
“Minister Nyanti’s life and service represent the very essence of what this institution seeks to instill in its graduates—commitment, integrity, and a passion for transforming society,” he said.
“Her achievements on the global stage remind us that Liberians can lead with excellence and compassion wherever they are called to serve.”
A trailblazer in public health and humanitarian service, Minister Nyanti played a critical role in combating the Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, implementing emergency operations that saved countless lives. She also directed Liberia’s National AIDS Control Program and mobilized the nation’s first Global Fund for AIDS, TB, and Malaria grant.
Madam Beysolow Nyanti convened South Sudan’s first international conference on Women in Transformational Leadership, bringing together female African heads of state and leaders from 15 nations.
During the ongoing conflict in Yemen, she led an Emergency Cash Transfer program that provided assistance to nearly 9 million people. More recently, she became the first senior government official from a foreign country to visit Sudan since the outbreak of civil war in 2023, signaling Liberia’s proactive stance in mediation, diplomacy, and peace-building in Africa.
Rev. Dr. Dioh further urged the graduating class to draw inspiration from the honoree. “As you leave these halls today, remember that education is not only about personal success but about service to humanity. Let the example of Minister Nyanti guide you to become agents of positive change,” he added.
At the convocation, the Board of Directors and administration of the United Methodist University formally lauded Minister Nyanti’s contributions to justice, peace, and sustainable development.
“With gratitude and admiration in recognition of your outstanding and invaluable contributions to public service in Liberia and globally, we hereby confer on you the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa,” read the citation.
UMU President, Cllr. Amb. Medina A. Wesseh, emphasized that Minister Nyanti’s life of service offers an inspiring model for the university’s graduating class.
The 612 students, representing diverse fields of study, were encouraged to embrace integrity, faith, and dedication to humanity as they step into professional life.
The convocation served as both a celebration of academic achievement and a reminder of the power of leadership committed to service, justice, and global impact.