Finance Minister Hails Tubman University's Progress Under Dr. Menjay

WVSTU: Liberia's Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has praised William V.S. Tubman University (TU) for the progress it has made under the leadership of its President and CEO, Dr. Olu Q. Menjay.

Speaking Monday during the university's 17th Anniversary Celebration in Harper, Minister Ngafuan said TU's transformation demonstrates what can be achieved when public investment is matched with strong leadership, institutional commitment and a shared vision for development.

He commended Dr. Menjay, the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and the wider university community for efforts to strengthen academic programs, improve infrastructure and expand opportunities for students.

Minister Ngafuan placed particular emphasis on faculty development, noting that the strength of any university is closely tied to the quality of its teaching staff.

"No university can rise above the quality of its faculty," he said.
The Finance Minister also highlighted the Government of Liberia's growing financial support to Tubman University.

According to him, approximately US$6.4 million has been allocated to TU in the 2026 National Budget, including about US$1 million for priority capital projects and rehabilitation.

He said the funding is supporting several initiatives, including improvements to academic facilities, faculty housing, classrooms, the old Engineering Building, TU's Monrovia office, perimeter fencing and the construction of a new College of Engineering and Technology building.

Minister Ngafuan stressed that the government's investment in Tubman University should not be viewed as a favor to the institution, but as part of its national responsibility to expand access to quality higher education and promote development across Liberia.

"Government is not doing this university a favor by supporting these projects. We are carrying out a national duty," he said.

Beyond infrastructure, Minister Ngafuan praised TU for embracing technology to modernize its academic and administrative services.

He highlighted the university's Smart School System, which enables students to complete processes such as registration, billing and course selection online.

He also commended the university for developing its own online testing platform, describing the initiative as evidence of TU's growing technological and innovative capacity.
"Innovation already lives here," Minister Ngafuan declared.

The Finance Minister, however, challenged Tubman University to build on its progress by becoming more than an institution that produces graduates. He urged TU to position itself as a major research and problem-solving center for southeastern Liberia and the country as a whole.

He said the university's research agenda should increasingly address challenges confronting the region, including coastal erosion, climate-resilient road infrastructure, renewable energy, sustainable mining and public health.

According to Minister Ngafuan, TU has an opportunity to mobilize the knowledge and expertise of its faculty and students to develop practical solutions to problems affecting communities throughout southeastern Liberia.

He described the university's progress as evidence that strategic public investment, when combined with effective leadership and committed people, can contribute significantly to transforming an institution and the region it serves.

Minister Ngafuan concluded by encouraging the administration, faculty, staff, students, alumni and partners of Tubman University to continue working together to consolidate the gains made and position the university as a leading center for academic excellence, innovation, research and development.