The Speaker of the fifty fifth Nationwide Legislature, Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, has reaffirmed his dedication to bettering situations on the nation’s flagship college and fostering stronger engagement between the federal government and the scholar neighborhood.
By Simeon S. Wiakanty, contributing author
Talking earlier than scholar leaders and college stakeholders, Speaker Koon expressed his private dedication to the establishment and outlined a number of initiatives already underway to handle urgent campus points. “I got here right here this morning as a result of I worth the issues of the scholars,” Speaker Koon acknowledged. “As a authorities, we’re dedicated to working with the scholar union, and I personally see this college as my very own.”
Among the many instant issues, the Speaker addressed was the state of campus sanitation amenities. He disclosed that his workplace had already despatched a technical staff to evaluate the situation of the college’s bogs and to develop a Invoice of Portions (BOQ) for his or her renovation. “The bogs are a precedence,” he mentioned. “We’re taking energetic steps to enhance the amenities.”
Koon additionally touched on the long-standing problem of insufficient scholar transportation. He famous that he has taken the matter of broken-down campus buses on to the Workplace of the President and pledged continued advocacy to resolve the issue.
The Speaker, who can also be a lecturer on the College of Liberia, emphasised that his involvement isn’t political posturing however stems from a real sense of responsibility. “That is the place I grew up. I educated right here as an accountant. Regardless of my present place, I stay an teacher dedicated to giving again,” he mentioned.
Addressing scholar management straight, Koon urged dialogue and collaboration over protest and unrest. “Please don’t resort to demonstrations earlier than partaking us. My workplace is open. Contact me first, and I’ll take your points straight to the President,” he assured. “We will resolve issues peacefully.”
He additionally known as on the alumni affiliation to affix efforts in renovating among the college’s oldest infrastructure, together with the GD Constructing. Whereas noting that loo renovations have been a private initiative, Koon emphasised that broader infrastructural enhancements would require coordinated efforts between the administration, college students, and alumni.
Acknowledging the monetary burdens going through many college students, he pledged to advocate for the reactivation of scholarship applications and extra assist mechanisms. “We all know that even small charges could be overwhelming for college kids. We’ll work with the Ministry of Training and different companions to deliver again these scholarships,” he mentioned.
Koon concluded his remarks with a imaginative and prescient for the college’s future, stating, “The College of Liberia should rise once more. It has produced presidents, ministers, and professionals throughout the nation. We should not let it decline. Collectively, we will make it the primary college in Liberia—and among the many finest in Africa.”
Throughout speaker the go to of the Speaker of the fifty fifth Nationwide Legislature, Hon. Richard Koon, to the College of Liberia (UL), scholar leaders and college officers warmly welcomed the Speaker and praised his dedication to addressing the issues of the scholar physique.
J. Bilio B. Tingban President of the College of Liberia Pupil Union, expressed gratitude to Speaker Koon and his delegation, describing the go to as symbolic and significant. “The flower we offered represents unity, love, dedication, and peace—values we envision for college kids on this campus,” she mentioned. “Right this moment ought to mark the start of actual collaboration to assist clear up the challenges our college students are going through.”
Additionally talking on the event, Dean of Pupil Affairs Samuel F. Argbason recommended Speaker Koon for honoring the invitation regardless of his demanding schedule. “It’s not straightforward for leaders to step out of their standard surroundings and are available into our house,” he famous. “Your presence right here speaks volumes, and we thanks for answering our name.”
Dean Argbason additional applauded the management of the Workplace of Pupil Engagement and Outreach (OSEO), highlighting their position in organizing the occasion.
“Right this moment, the flag is raised, and it symbolizes motion and progress. OSEO is working, and we see it,” he added, calling for sustained cooperation.
The remarks closed with a shared dedication to constructing a stronger College of Liberia. “Nobody can develop this college with out us,” Argbason confused. “Allow us to hold working collectively—for the college, for the scholars, and for the Republic of Liberia.”
The go to comes amid renewed efforts to enhance infrastructure, scholar welfare, and campus unity at UL.
Nonetheless, college students and school alike, who lauded Speaker Koon’s hands-on method and known as for continued authorities funding in greater schooling, welcomed the go to.
