By Moses M. Tokpah| Contributor
Liberia’s former Ambassador to the United States of America, Canada and Mexico, Jeremiah C. Sulonteh has craved the elevation of the Booker T. Washington Institute to a 4-year degree granting College.
Amb. Sulunteh made the assertion when he guest spoke at program marking the 92nd founder’s day celebration of the BWI over the weekend.
The former Liberian Ambassador said as BWI looks towards celebrating its 100 years anniversary in 2029, it has become not only sufficient, but a necessary condition to elevate the institution.
Amb. Sulunteh has recommended to the Government of Liberia, development partners and the Board of Trustees of the Booker Washington Institute for their consideration for the next 8 years a roadmap that will transition BWI to a 4-year degree college.
In his recommendation, he said there is a need for staff development and capacity building, adding that there is a need for the BWI administration to reengage its traditional partner institutions in the US and elsewhere such as Pierre View A and M University, the Tuskekee Institute and Hannippen Community College respectively for staff development in order to build the capacity for its future college teaching staff.
In this regards, Amb. Sulunteh encouraged what he called the “two outstanding members of the BWI Alumni Association” whom according to him are also influential members of the Margibi Legislative Caucus, Senator James Emmanuel Nuquay and Representative Ben A. Fofana to lead the effort.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, this is doable; this is possible; this is achievable. All that is required is for our government to muster the POLITICAL COURAGR and WILL” and continued support of our partners, as well as, the resilience of the Liberian people” he added.
Amb. Sulunteh continued: “Make BWI the most desired TVET Technical College in Liberia”.
In a related development, the former Liberian Ambassador has expressed the need for the Liberian Government to increase its support for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) opportunities.
According to him, there is now a shift in the Labor demand by industries that operate within the borders of Liberia, noting that these industries are interested in technically trained workforce, such as, mechanical, electrical and civil engineers; plumbers, geologists and agriculturists amongst others to fill the supply needs of the 21st century job market.
Consequently, Amb. Sulunteh said the supply of labor must shift to meet the shifting demand.
“Our unemployment nightmare in Liberia is partly due to a “mismatch” between the areas of training and the available jobs one can find.
It is evident that many young Liberians are pursuing degrees in sociology, management, public administration, when majority of the industries in Liberia are calling for engineers and technicians” he revealed.
With this, he noted that there is no doubt that there is a need for a TVET Technical College to help alleviate this training need indicating that BWI stands ready to fill the void should it be the dreams of the government and its development partners.
He applauded the Ministries of Education, Youth, Sports, and partners for the support and the facilitation of TVET in Liberia.
Mr. Sulunteh also acknowledged the support of the Government of Liberia and its International Partners for the operation, growth and development of BWI expressing that they look forward to their continued partnerships.
Meanwhile, Minister Dakuly said it is about time for BWI to move to another level to becoming a technical college in Liberia terming it as a big challenge.
He indicated it can happen with the able leadership
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