EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA
WASHINGTON, D.C.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Liberia, Howard University Explore Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Higher Education and Research
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 9, 2026 — Liberia and Howard University are exploring new opportunities for cooperation in higher education, scientific research, teacher training, and workforce development following discussions between Liberia’s Minister of Education, Dr. Jarso M. Jallah, and senior university officials in Washington, D.C.
The engagement forms part of the Government of Liberia’s efforts to strengthen educational institutions, expand international academic partnerships, and develop the skilled workforce needed to advance national development.
Minister Jallah met with a Howard University delegation led by Dr. Anthony K. Wutoh, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, and Ms. Tonija M. Hope, Assistant Provost for International Programs.
Discussions focused on practical areas of collaboration, including faculty and student exchanges, joint research, scholarships, teacher education, and institutional capacity building.
A major area of interest was potential cooperation involving the University of Liberia and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), particularly in infectious disease research, public health, and the social sciences.
The participants also explored opportunities to pursue joint research grants and strengthen professional networks that would connect Liberian academics and researchers with international expertise and resources.
Strengthening Teacher Education and Technical Training
Recognizing the central role of teachers in improving educational outcomes, the discussions examined ways to strengthen Liberia’s teacher training institutions through curriculum development, faculty mentoring, professional certification, and institutional partnerships.
Special attention was given to inclusive education, including opportunities to improve curricula and teaching approaches for children with special learning needs.
Another important subject was the proposed transformation of the Booker Washington Institute (BWI) into a degree-granting technical college. Such an initiative could expand technical and vocational education, strengthen workforce readiness, and support Liberia’s economic diversification efforts.
The meeting also considered the possibility of formalizing future cooperation through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), which would establish frameworks for academic exchanges, research collaboration, scholarships, and professional development.
Ambassador Conteh Welcomes Prospects for Cooperation
According to Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, Liberia’s Ambassador to the United States, the engagement reflects Liberia’s commitment to building meaningful international partnerships that deliver practical benefits for its education sector.
“The Ministry of Education’s engagement with Howard University reflects Liberia’s growing commitment to building global partnerships that strengthen educational excellence and innovation,” Ambassador Conteh stated.
“These discussions present an important opportunity to establish lasting institutional relationships that benefit students, educators, researchers, and communities in both countries,” he added.
Ambassador Conteh commended Minister Jallah for her leadership and proactive efforts to expand Liberia’s international educational partnerships. He also expressed appreciation to Howard University for its willingness to explore areas of cooperation with Liberian institutions.
The Ambassador reaffirmed the Embassy’s readiness to facilitate follow-up engagements aimed at translating the discussions into practical programs and measurable outcomes.
Minister Jallah was accompanied to the meeting by Ms. Nyene-Yaba Freeman-Thompson, Minister Counselor for International Cooperation and Development at the Embassy of Liberia in Washington, D.C.
Minister Briefs Embassy Staff on Education Reforms
Following her engagement at Howard University, Minister Jallah visited the Embassy of Liberia, where she met with diplomatic staff and briefed them on ongoing developments and reforms within Liberia’s education sector.
Her briefing highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to improve educational access, quality, accountability, and institutional effectiveness.
The Minister also discussed the importance of strengthening cooperation between Liberia and its international partners to address longstanding challenges in education and accelerate institutional reforms.
Engaging the Liberian Diaspora in Educational Development
Minister Jallah’s engagements in Washington followed her participation in the 2026 Liberia Diaspora Conference, where she presented an overview of educational reforms undertaken by the Ministry since the previous conference.
During the conference, she emphasized the importance of engaging Liberian professionals abroad in national educational development through mentoring, research collaboration, knowledge transfer, and institutional partnerships.
The discussions with Howard University similarly recognized the potential contribution of Liberian academics and professionals in the diaspora, whose expertise and networks could help strengthen educational institutions at home.
The proposed collaboration builds on the longstanding educational ties between Liberia and the United States, which have contributed to the development of generations of Liberian educators, professionals, and national leaders.
As discussions advance, the Embassy of Liberia will continue supporting coordination among the Ministry of Education, Howard University, and relevant Liberian institutions to identify feasible areas of cooperation and facilitate appropriate follow-up arrangements.
The initiative underscores Liberia’s broader commitment to positioning education, research, innovation, and human capital development at the center of its national transformation agenda.
Send by email
PDF version