Prof. Mpedi Calls for Pan-African Collaboration at TU Graduation

WVSTU: November 24 2025 - Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg (UJ), delivered the keynote address at Tubman University's 12th Convocation Ceremony. He inspired the 265 graduates from the university's six colleges to embrace education, leadership, and Pan-African collaboration.

During the ceremony, Prof. Mpedi was awarded the Doctor of Science (DSc) Honoris Causa in Artificial for promoting the use of AI and digital transformation at the University of Johannesburg. His work has positioned the university as a leader in research, innovation, and global competitiveness on the continent

In his speech, Prof. Mpedi highlighted the historic ties between Liberia and South Africa. He recalled that during apartheid, President William V. S. Tubman supported Nelson Mandela's struggle for freedom. He described this connection as proof of Africa's shared fight for liberation and the importance of nations helping each other.

"Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world," Prof. Mpedi told the graduates. He stressed that education has historically empowered anti-colonial movements, given a voice to the marginalized, and now holds the key to unlocking Africa's potential in the 21st century. True education, he pointed out, transforms minds and prepares leaders to envision a better world.

Prof. Mpedi praised Liberia's educational values of accountability, commitment, excellence, transparency, diligence, and integrity. He mentioned that UJ shares these values through its Pan-African mission. He emphasized the need for collaboration within Africa in research, skills development, student and faculty exchanges, and dual-degree programs to tackle continent-wide issues like climate change, technological changes, inequality, and brain drain.

"Universities cannot reach their full potential without collaboration, whether between institutions, with industry, or across borders," he stated, quoting Times Higher Education. He encouraged graduates to seize opportunities for research, innovation, and knowledge creation that support Africa's development priorities, including food security, healthcare, and governance.

Prof. Mpedi concluded by inviting TU graduates to connect with the University of Johannesburg for postgraduate studies, research, and professional networks. Quoting Kwame Nkrumah, he reminded them: "We face neither East nor West; we face forward."

Dr. Olu Q. Menjay, President and CEO of Tubman University, praised Prof. Mpedi and the UJ delegation, saying, "We are deeply honored to host Prof. Mpedi and the University of Johannesburg team. Their visit strengthens our global connections and shows the importance of international partnerships. We are committed to exposing our students to the world and ensuring TU takes its rightful place on the global academic map."

The event also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UJ and Tubman University, aimed at strengthening academic partnerships, joint research, student and faculty exchanges, and collaborative programs between the two institutions