University of Liberia President Visits Monrovia Vocational Training Center, Explores Strategic Partnership
University of Liberia President Visits Monrovia Vocational Training Center, Explores Strategic Partnership
Paynesville, Liberia –July 17, 2026- The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as the University of Liberia (UL) expressed interest in forging a strategic partnership with the Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC).
Speaking during the visit of the University of Liberia President, Dr. Layli Maparyan, Deputy Minister for TVET and Acting Minister, Hon. Laraamand Nyonton, described Liberia's young people as the nation's greatest asset and underscored the Government's commitment to investing in skills development.
"We believe that young people are our greatest asset. When you invest in them, they become the builders and architects of tomorrow," Deputy Minister Nyonton said.
He outlined several reforms implemented by the Ministry to improve access to quality vocational education, including reducing the duration of training programs from 18 months to 12 months, eliminating tuition-related material and uniform fees for all students, and introducing plans for a student transportation service to reduce absenteeism and school dropouts.
Deputy Minister Nyonton also highlighted the Ministry's ongoing transformation of the Monrovia Vocational Training Center as part of broader TVET reforms. He noted that instructors have received specialized professional training in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa to improve the quality of instruction and ensure graduates are equipped with industry-relevant skills.
He emphasized that technical and vocational education deserves equal recognition alongside traditional academic education, stressing that both pathways are essential to developing Liberia's human capital and accelerating national development.
For her part, University of Liberia President Dr. Layli Maparyan commended the Ministry of Youth and Sports for creating a well-managed learning environment that equips young Liberians with practical, marketable skills.
She described the visit as significant for both the University and Liberia's education sector, noting her commitment to strengthening every level of post-secondary education, particularly technical and vocational training.
"I care deeply about the entire pipeline of education, including technical and vocational education. It brings me great joy to see young people engaged in meaningful learning that contributes to national development and improves our communities," Dr. Maparyan said.
The UL President praised the faculty, staff, and students of the MVTC for their dedication and expressed optimism about establishing a formal partnership between the University of Liberia and the vocational institution.
Dr. Maparyan disclosed that the visit was inspired by Sister Mary Lawrence Brown, who introduced her to the center through the University's Operation CUL Chairs Campaign, an initiative designed to improve learning facilities at the University of Liberia.
She explained that the University is actively seeking strategic partnerships across government institutions that create mutual value and expand educational opportunities.
"I am very impressed with what I have seen today. I believe we will find opportunities to work together, and I look forward to returning as we build a meaningful partnership," she said.
Speaking during the visit, Sister Mary Lawrence Brown challenged long-held societal attitudes that place greater value on academic professions while overlooking technical and vocational careers.
She emphasized that while professions such as medicine and law are important, they should not be regarded as the only paths to success.
"We place too much emphasis on academic achievements while forgetting that people also need a means of earning a living and taking care of their families," she said.
She stressed that dignity lies not in the title of one's profession but in earning an honest living through hard work and integrity.
Sister Mary encouraged parents to support their children's individual talents and career aspirations rather than imposing unrealistic expectations.
"Not everyone is meant to be a lawyer or a doctor, and that is perfectly okay," she remarked. "We should encourage our children to pursue whatever field they are passionate about—whether it is medicine, law, carpentry, plumbing, engineering, agriculture, or any other profession. Every honest job has value and contributes to society."
She further urged young people to take pride in their chosen professions and never allow societal stereotypes to diminish the value of skilled trades.
Earlier, MVTC Director Irene Bass welcomed the University delegation and described the visit as a significant milestone in strengthening collaboration between academic and technical vocational institutions.
She expressed confidence that a formal partnership between the University of Liberia and the Monrovia Vocational Training Center would expand opportunities for skills development, promote innovation, and create additional pathways for Liberian youth to access quality education, decent employment, and entrepreneurship.
The visit concluded with both institutions expressing optimism that the engagement would lead to a formal partnership aimed at strengthening technical and vocational education, enhancing workforce development, and expanding opportunities for youth empowerment in Liberia.
