Harper, Maryland County – Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe, Sr., Commissioner of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), has encouraged students at William V.S. Tubman University (TU) to adopt visionary thinking, discipline, and innovation as key tools for Liberia’s progress.
Speaking at the university’s 16th Opening Convocation on Friday, Cllr. Lighe called TU a beacon of opportunity for southeastern Liberia. He highlighted how the school grew from a small technical college into a full university with six colleges. He praised TU for widening access to quality higher education and producing graduates who are making important contributions in many fields.
The convocation theme was “The Power of Visionary Thinking: Unlocking Potentials and Inspiring Future Success.” Cllr. Lighe said this theme challenges students to think big and act with purpose. “Dream beyond limits, think boldly, and chase your vision with courage,” he told the students, stressing that Liberia’s future depends on young people using their education to solve the country’s problems.
He pointed out that higher education is more than just earning degrees—it should fuel innovation and change. “Seek knowledge not just to pass exams but to solve problems and take initiative,” he urged, highlighting the need for dedicated professionals in infrastructure, engineering, and technology.
Sharing his own experience of pursuing education during Liberia’s civil war, the Commissioner encouraged students to be resilient and persistent. “Self-doubt destroys more dreams than failure ever will,” he said. “Believe in yourself, stay focused, and face challenges bravely.”
In a big announcement, Cllr. Lighe revealed that LiMA will sponsor two TU graduates to study for Master’s degrees in Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering in India. He also announced scholarships for postgraduate studies at the Regional Maritime University in Ghana and 100 local scholarships for TU students over the next three years.
These efforts show LiMA’s commitment to investing in young Liberians and preparing them for key roles in the maritime and engineering fields. “Your education is the brush, and your vision is the color,” he said in closing. “What you create will shape your future—and the future of Liberia.”
The convocation brought together students, faculty, alumni, and local leaders who praised the Commissioner’s speech and welcomed the new scholarship opportunities as a much-needed boost for the university community.
