By Joseph O. Sayon
The United States Agency for International Development in partnership with JLN-B360/USAID Shine project has dedicated two modern science laboratory complexes in Lofa and Nimba counties.
The modern facilities which are constructed on the campuses of the Lofa County Community College and the Nimba County Community College will be used by students studying the sciences including Agriculture and Engineering.
Addressing citizens at the dedicatory ceremony in Sanniquelle, Nimba County, USAID Shine project Chief of Party Jacob Fayad described the two modern Laboratory complexes as a “Goodwill” gesture from the government and people of the United States of America to the people of Liberia.
Mr. Fayad said he feels obligated as a Liberian to collaborate with international partners including USAID to impact the ordinary people as such the beneficiary institutions must exert all efforts to ensure that the buildings are properly maintained and sustained.
Mr. Fayad anticipates that the modern science laboratory complexes will serve the intended purpose by enhancing the education of Liberians especially those of rural communities.
The complexes in both Lofa and Nimba contained two science labs each, a library, staff office, bathrooms with some chemical substances to join-start the practical aspect of lessons being taught in the classroom.
JLN-B360/USAID SHINE PROJECT boss told reporters who travelled with the team in Voinjama, Lofa and Sanniquelle, Nimba Counties that the construction of a specific laboratory complex was as a result of a request from each school administration.
In separate remarks, Superintendent Williams Kamba-Tamba praised the United States government through its development Agency, USAID for the enormous contributions to the Liberian people not only in the education sector but in other impactful areas of the Nation’s transformation.
Superintendent Tamba mentioned that the construction of the modern science laboratory complex at the Lofa County Community College is aligned with President George Weah’s development Agenda. He described the construction of the science complex by the American people as added values to the Lofa Community College’s quest to alleviate the status of the college to a full degree granting institution.
Speaking earlier, LCCC President Dr. Samuel K. Ngaima whole-heartedly expressed gratitude to the US government for the modern science Laboratory and noted that the people of Lofa will continuously remain grateful to the American people for the modern building.
According to Dr. Ngaima, the turning-over of the complex has enhanced the institution’s dream of alleviating the school to a four year degree granting University. He disclosed that with efforts from employees of LCCC, a Nursing department comprising four classrooms is currently under construction with another commitment from Lofa citizens residing in the Americas to construct a modern facility for Technical Vocational Education Training; (TVET) which he said is cardinal to the growth of any nation. He also requested USAID to assist with the construction of staff quarters as the institution prepares to transition to a full university in the near future.
Meanwhile the President of the Nimba County Community College, Professor Edward Lama-Wonkeryor in a remark at the dedication of the science Laboratory in Nimba County said the complex signifies the US government’s commitment towards the enhancement of the educational system of Liberia especially in the areas of the sciences and technology.
According to him, like in Lofa, NCCC is currently working with the National Commission on Higher Education to alleviate the College to a full degree grant institution as such there is also a need for the United States government through USAID to help provide the students and staffs of NCCC internet facilities for two years.
This, Dr. Wonkeryor noted, will enhance the learning abilities of both the students and the lecturers.
The Lofa and Nimba dedicatory ceremonies were graced by high profiled personalities including Dr. Maurice Ogutu, USAID Deputy Director, Economic Growth office who proxy for USAID Head of Mission, Dr. Anthony Chan.
Speaking on behalf of USAID at the both ceremonies, Dr. Ogutu expressed the United States’ government excitement in working with the government and people of Liberia to provide basic social services to its citizens.
The programs were also characterized singing, dancing and other performances as a way of extending gratitude to the United States government for the enormous supports to the Liberian people.
