Gbarnga, Bong County – July 20, 2025 — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to technical education and rural development during a passionate keynote address at the 4th Graduation Ceremony of Bong County Technical College (BCTC). The event, held on July 19 in Gbarnga, Bong County, celebrated the academic achievements of hundreds of students and served as a platform for articulating a vision for Liberia’s future through skilled manpower and inclusive growth.
Speaking to a packed hall of graduates, faculty members, local authorities, traditional leaders, and international development partners, President Boakai described the occasion as a moment of “triumph, fulfillment, and a new beginning” for the Class of 2025. His address touched on national transformation, the power of technical education, and the strategic role of rural institutions in driving Liberia’s development.
“Our nation needs trained youth for development and progress,” Boakai said. “I salute you all for your hard work. You have made us proud.”
Technical Education: A Pillar of the ARREST Agenda
Throughout his speech, President Boakai placed technical and vocational education at the heart of Liberia’s long-term development agenda. He described institutions like BCTC as essential to the success of the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development—his administration’s national plan focused on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism.
Boakai emphasized the urgent need for Liberia to catch up with global trends in science, technology, and innovation. “From artificial intelligence to renewable energy and precision agriculture, the pace of global progress is fast, and we cannot afford to be left behind,” he warned. “Technical knowledge is not a luxury—it is a necessity.”
He also urged Liberian youth to view their education not merely as a personal milestone but as a patriotic duty. “Your country is calling on you to serve—not just with your qualifications, but with your character,” he said, encouraging graduates to be bold, ethical, and visionary in whatever path they choose.
Transforming BCTC: A Symbol of Rural Resilience
The President’s remarks also paid tribute to the resilience and transformation of Bong County Technical College itself. Since its founding in 2010, the institution has faced multiple hurdles, including accreditation delays, infrastructure gaps, and student unrest. However, under the leadership of Dr. Alfredson W. Taikerweyah, Sr., BCTC has made notable progress in upgrading its academic programs and campus facilities.
Boakai praised the college’s administration for pursuing a bold vision of eventually transitioning into a full-fledged university, an ambition he fully endorsed. “Let Bong County Technical College be a model of how rural Liberia can lead, not lag behind,” he said. “We believe that no child should be denied opportunity simply because of where they were born.”
This vision aligns with his administration’s broader objective of decentralizing educational resources and opportunities, particularly in underdeveloped and historically marginalized regions. By empowering institutions like BCTC, the government hopes to foster innovation and economic activity in rural areas, reducing the dependency on Monrovia and encouraging regional growth.
Linking Skills to National Development
Boakai’s speech also served as a reminder of the interconnectedness between human capital and national development. He highlighted that no country can achieve sustainable growth without investing in the skills of its people.
“No nation can rise without its youth. No economy can thrive without skills. And no dream can be fulfilled without hard work,” he declared. “Think Liberia. Love Liberia. Build Liberia.”
This message resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom view education as the only pathway out of poverty and unemployment. The President’s emphasis on character, leadership, and innovation as critical complements to academic qualifications signals a shift toward a more values-based and pragmatic approach to nation-building.
The BCTC graduation ceremony is more than a ceremonial milestone—it reflects the Boakai Administration’s commitment to performance-based governance, rural empowerment, and sustainable development. Through increased investment in technical institutions, capacity building, and equitable access to education, the government aims to create a workforce capable of supporting Liberia’s long-term economic and social goals.
As the country faces the challenges of climate change, digital transformation, and post-conflict reconstruction, the President’s message reinforces the idea that education—especially technical and vocational education—is not just a sector, but the cornerstone of national resilience and prosperity.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism, as graduates prepared to enter Liberia’s workforce equipped not only with degrees, but also with a national call to serve, innovate, and lead.
