Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County – July 23, 2025 — Grand Gedeh University (GGU), once known as Grand Gedeh University College (GGUC), has officially been elevated to full university status by the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) of Liberia—marking a milestone for education in southeastern Liberia. This achievement has been hailed by community members and leaders alike as a major victory for the county and its educational future.
The transformation is the result of years of advocacy and leadership, notably under the stewardship of Dr. E. ZM Gbotoe, whose tenure as president of the institution has been credited with turning the college into a beacon of academic excellence and community development.
Founded to address the limited access to higher education in the region, Grand Gedeh University College began as a privately initiated institution. Its mission was simple but vital: to provide affordable and quality higher education to students from Grand Gedeh and surrounding areas. With initial degree offerings in education, business, agriculture, and general studies, the college played a critical role in training professionals during Liberia’s post-war reconstruction.
Over time, improvements in academic programs, infrastructure, and institutional credibility helped the institution gain national recognition. Under Dr. Gbotoe’s leadership, this momentum accelerated dramatically. With a focus on both physical expansion and academic rigor, he oversaw the introduction of new degree programs in public health, information technology, and environmental science. These additions aligned the university with current job market demands and national development goals.
Dr. Gbotoe has also placed strong emphasis on upgrading the university’s infrastructure. His administration has led the construction of modern classrooms, science laboratories, a state-of-the-art library, and student dormitories. Recreational and student support spaces have also been developed to enhance campus life.
Access to reliable electricity and internet—two long-standing challenges for higher education in the region—have seen significant improvements during his tenure. These changes have created a more robust learning environment and positioned GGU to host national conferences, workshops, and research initiatives on agriculture, peacebuilding, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Gbotoe’s vision extends beyond brick-and-mortar improvements. He has forged strategic partnerships with international academic institutions and research centers, promoting faculty exchanges and collaborative projects. His commitment to continuous professional development for faculty has raised teaching standards across departments.
Perhaps most notably, GGU is now laying the groundwork for graduate-level programs, including master’s and doctoral degrees. There are also plans to expand scholarship opportunities for underprivileged students and boost funding for research that addresses Liberia’s pressing socio-economic issues.
The elevation of GGUC to university status is not only a personal achievement for Dr. Gbotoe, who holds a Ph.D. and has served as a lecturer, researcher, and administrator, but also a community triumph. The roles played by leaders such as Dr. George Boley, Erol Madison, and Hon. Zoe Emmanuel Pennoh were also instrumental in realizing the long-term vision of a university in Grand Gedeh.
Today, Grand Gedeh University stands as a symbol of educational advancement, community empowerment, and national pride. It serves as a hub for producing skilled professionals who are contributing to Liberia’s development and inspiring future generations.
Dr. Gbotoe’s student-centered, innovation-driven leadership continues to shape GGU into one of the leading institutions in southeastern Liberia—earning respect from national authorities, academics, and international partners alike.
With ambitious plans ahead, Grand Gedeh University is not only celebrating its transformation but looking toward a future where it serves as a model for higher education across Liberia.
