FESSIBU TOWN, Zorzor District, Lofa County – July 18, 2026 – Lofa County University (LCU) has officially launched Annex-1 in Fessibu Town, Zorzor District. This marks a significant milestone in the university’s efforts to enhance access to quality, affordable higher education in Liberia.
The launch follows the signing of an agreement in May 2026, which transferred the former Change Agent Network University to Lofa County University.
The historic ceremony was attended by senior government officials, local authorities, traditional leaders, women’s and youth groups, students, and residents from Zorzor, Salayea, and nearby communities. In his keynote address, Minister of Local Government Francis Sakila Nyumalin highlighted that the establishment of Annex-1 represents a major achievement in the Government of Liberia’s initiatives to provide quality, accessible, and affordable higher education for national development. Minister Nyumalin emphasized that Lofa County University is offering hope to thousands of young Liberians who have the desire and capability to pursue a university education but face challenges due to distance and financial constraints.
He noted that the university’s expansion is not just an investment in infrastructure but a strategic national investment in human capital development.
According to him, the new campus will serve not only the people of Zorzor and Salayea Districts but also students from neighboring Bong and Gbarpolu Counties. The Minister praised the leadership of Lofa County University, under the direction of Dr. Isaac P. Podah, for its vision and commitment to making higher education more accessible to rural communities.
To demonstrate the Government’s support, Minister Nyumalin donated 200 bags of cement for ongoing construction at the campus and pledged to lead a fundraising campaign in the coming months to secure additional resources for the institution.
Government’s continued support
Officially launching the annex on behalf of Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Assistant Minister for Budget Sarah M. Mulbah commended the university administration for its vision and dedication to expanding higher education opportunities throughout Lofa County. She stated that the transition of Change Agent Network University to Lofa County University reflects a strong commitment to preserving educational opportunities while enhancing higher education for the people of Lofa County and its neighboring areas.
She expressed that the Government of Liberia’s commitment to education is evident in the national budget, revealing that allocations for the education sector have increased significantly, from approximately US$90 million in 2023 to over US$145 million in 2026. Mulbah assured the university administration that the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning would seriously consider increasing budgetary support for the institution as preparations for the 2027 National Budget begin.
During the ceremony, Lofa County University President Dr. Isaac P. Podah stated that the decision to establish Annex-1 was in response to repeated requests from residents of Zorzor and Salayea Districts, particularly young people seeking greater access to higher education. Dr. Podah explained that after extensive consultations, the administration of Change Agent Network University agreed to transfer the institution to the Government of Liberia through Lofa County University. He expressed deep gratitude to the proprietor of Change Agent Network University, Mr. Eric Woiwor, for generously transferring the institution’s facilities, valued at over US$400,000, to support the expansion of public higher education in Lofa County.
A broader vision
Describing the launch of Annex-1 as the start of a broader vision, Dr. Podah aims to strengthen the university’s infrastructure, expand academic programs, promote research, and ensure that no deserving Liberian is denied the opportunity for higher education due to geographical or financial barriers. He revealed that more than 500 students are expected to enroll at the new campus during the next academic semester. Dr. Podah called on the Government of Liberia, development partners, citizens, and friends of the university to continue supporting the institution to ensure the successful operation and growth of Annex-1.
The launch of Annex-1 represents one of the most significant milestones in the history of Lofa County University and is anticipated to greatly increase access to higher education for thousands of young people across Lofa County and the surrounding counties.
