The Honorable Jeremiah Sulonteh, Minster of Transport, presided the swearing-in of the six-person IEC. The students present on campus applauded the new officers of the student government: Mr. Stephen B. Lavalah, Chairman; Mr. Lepolu Tolon, Vice Chairman; Mr. Price Dinsea, General Secretary; Mr. Dogbahzee Zayzay, Assistant Scertary; Ms. Newon Angela Jappa, Financial Secretary; and Mr. John Paye, Chaplain.

In his keynote address, Mr. Christopher T. Sawboh, Assistant Minister for Curriculum and Research, spoke on a variety of issues. Notably, he reminded students that a university does not build a well-rounded scholar; instead, a university merely offers the intellectual nourishment, activities, and sports upon which a well-rounded scholar builds himself.

In addition, he noted that it constitutes an irreversible error for one to come to university and leave without any growth of character. Indeed, he urged Cuttington to refrain from preparing aristocrats; that is, people who, after earning a Baccalaureate degree, do not want to identify with less educated people.

Minister Solomon advised the I.E.C. leadership to be aware that the student government is not a sovereign government; rather, it forms a testing ground for democracy. Furthermore, "The Administration of CU is the only authority on campus, and the I.E.C. should not see itself as an equal power, for no two governments can reign at the same place and time," he said.

According to him, a government is not in an institution but outside and the university is only a conduit through which one prepares himself/herself for that outside interaction. He admonished students to see student government as an opportunity for practicing what should be applied outside. He, therefore, encouraged the newly elected student leadership to promote dialogue and encouraged other students to work with their new leadership whether they were elected, appointed or selected, adding, these are all different ways in which we get leaders.

He called on officials of the IEC to be tough or flexible depending on the prevailing situation. He reminded students to wait for their future, which according to him, begins after graduation. He advised students never to make the mistake of trying to live their future now. Meanwhile, he thanked the Administration for what he called, “being thoughtful, determined, purposeful, deliberate and intentional in dealing with problems of the university.”

For his part, Mr. Stephen B. Lavalah, Chairman of the IEC, said that his leadership comes with a renewed focus on institutional policies that will help the institution become better than what it is now. He promised that his government would work to honor the trust and confidence invested in them.

What should be expected of the Lavalah-led Committee, “Our Administration will strive to provide scholarship for needy and deserving students, open a mini-stationery shop, revitalize the micro credit loan program, and open tutorial services amongst others,” he assured. He saluted his predecessors, noting, “We will build on the past foundation laid by them.”

Speaking also at the general Assembly on that day, Ms. Mary Angelin, Crisis Corps Director, who came with the Peace Corps delegation, said the Peace Corps delegation, which once served Liberia, including Cuttington for decades, was here to see if conditions were conducive for volunteers to come back and serve again in the area of education. She expressed her gratitude for the invitation to be a part of the installation of the new student leadership.

Dr. Francis, head of the delegation from the University of Peace Studies in Bradford, said that they come from the world’ largest academic center for Peace and conflict studies. According to him, they currently have 70 Ph.D. students, 117 Masters students from 43 countries all over the world, with 4 master degree programs and 6 undergraduate degree programs. He then said that the purpose of their visit was to work with Cuttington and the University of Liberia to support the process of education for peace in post-war Liberia. This, according to Dr. Francis, will be done through a grant framework secured from the United Kingdom to develop curriculum for peace and conflict studies in these areas of Master degree, undergraduate degree, diploma and certificate programs. They also want to take it further to developing faculty development program whereby there will be an exchange of faculty between Cuttington University, University of Liberia, and the University of Bradford. Within this framework, they will also provide teaching and research materials and support in the forms of textbooks, computers and printers to support the peace and conflict studies hers at Cuttington University.

Cuttington students engaged in physical education exercises. August 2007.

CU President Dedicates a Science Lab in Harbel

Dr. Tokpa was on Friday, June 29, 2007 invited to dedicate the Science Laboratory of the Firestone Senior High School. The School was recently raised from junior high to senior high. In a brief remark, the Vice President for the School said that they would like Dr. Tokpa to give them appropriate advice on the use of the Lab.

At the dedicatory ceremony, Dr. Tokpa thanked the school authorities for the honor they bestowed upon him by inviting him to dedicate their Science Lab. Shortly before cutting the ribbon, Dr. Tokpa praised the school authority for the thought of opening a Science Lab and he described it as a step in the right direction. He also encouraged the students to make judicious use of the lab.

Development Education Network (Liberia) Visits CU

On Tuesday, July 03, 2007, a team of six persons from the Development Education Network, Liberia visited Cuttington, to explore the possibility of linkages. The team, which included Bong County Junior Senator, Hon. Franklin Siakor, met briefly with Dr. Tokpa and various deans upon arrival. The head of the team, Ms. Ananvasia Crickley, from the National University of Ireland, described the purpose of their visit as: establishing a link and continuity of support for community programs, training of workers in the social sciences, and finding out if CU was willing to work with them. When asked about CU current priorities, Dr. Tokpa said, “staff development/teacher training, and scholarship sources. Highlighting some of the challenges of CU, Dr. Tokpa also said that CU lacks the kind of qualified staff and adequate funding it needs.

Dr. Tokpa said that CU was “more than willing” to have a linkage with such a partner, just as it has with Rikkyo University in Japan.

Upon hearing the diverse challenges of CU, the DEN’L delegation assured that upon their return, they are going to negotiate with partners to have some faculty and more students from their own University come over to help.

Miss & Mr. Cuttington Pageant Kicks Off

On Saturday, July 7, 2007, the Miss. and Mr. Cuttington pageant kicked off at the Seth C. Edward Cafeteria, at 11:00 p.m. The procession, which was witnessed by a little over 75 participants, displayed three beautiful ladies and four gentlemen.

Peace Institute Holds a One Day Workshop with IEC

The Peace Institute, headed by Dr. Joseph S. Guannu, is making frantic effort to guide the newly elected student leadership, IEC, into good governance. This Institute serves as advisor to student government. Barely two weeks after the installation of the new student leadership, Dr. Guanu, on Sunday, July 8, 2007, held a workshop with the newly elected leaders on what he termed, “Good governance.” “Hard work, knowledge, transparency, and accountability are the hallmark of any good government,” Dr. Guannu said at the workshop. He noted that the failure of many governments has been due to the lack of the above qualities.

After the workshop, each of the IEC members expressed gratitude to Dr. Guannu for the workshop. They noted that the workshop will go a long way in helping them to practice good governance, (transparency, knowledge, hard work, and accountability).

Hon. Keterkumeh Murray Intellectual Forum at CU

The Speaker of the House of Legislature, Bomi Representative, Hon. Tyer and Kerterkumeh Murray, on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 paid a courtesy visit to Cuttington University, upon an invitation from the newly elected student leadership, The Interim Executive Committee (IEC). According to the Chairman of the IEC, Mr. Steven B. Lavalah, Honorable Murray was invited to Cuttington in honor of an intellectual forum that was going to be named after him that day.

For his part, Hon. Murray expressed gratitude for having an intellectual discourse named after him at Cuttington. He encouraged students to use the podium to settle every problem.

To ensure the perpetuity of the forum, Honorable Murray, who holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy, pledged $10,000.00 USD, $1,000.00 annually. In addition, the Speaker of the House of Legislature pledged $500.00 USD, to be paid to the President of Cuttington this year.
July 6, 2007

CU President Writes a Proposal for 1.7 Million

July 6, 2007

In his quest to improve the infrastructure at Cuttington, President Henrique F. Tokpa, has written a proposal for $1.7 million dollar in the United States of America, where he was recently invited by the Voorhees College, Denmark, South Carolina, to speak at its 176th Commencement. During the proceedings, Voorhees College awarded him an honorary Doctor’s Degree.

According to Dr. Steve Kaifa, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, who traveled with Dr. Tokpa to the U. S., he and President Tokpa wrote and submitted a request for funding for development, improvement, and renovation of physical capital with a budget of $1.7 million dollars. The Proposal also included a $200,000 budget, which would provide training of labor resources for CU.

This proposal, made in consent with Voorhees College, was submitted to the Senior Senator of South Carolina, a friend of CU, who will deliver it to the U.S. Congress for their consideration.

The request described its purpose thusly: “In order to educate the youths, young men and women of Liberia and rebuild civil society from the bottom up, and to help revise Liberia’s post-war economy, the focus has to be drawn on the creation of economic and social conditions that will provide reconstruction of basic infrastructure for economic growth and development, higher education must be at the pinnacle of these endeavors and CU is ready to help provide the necessary higher education needed to improve the economy of Liberia.”

The proposal, which got the endorsement of Dr. Lee Monroe, President of Voorhees College, asked for three things:

Funds for the Science Complex and its components, equipment, and supplies that were completely destroyed during the war.

Because of the urgency of the project, CU wants to quickly re-equip labs and other facilities needed for quality academic programs in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Budget for this is $½ million;

Money to expand the Library Complex, constructed in the mid 60s, which can only accommodate 300 students, but is now serving 1600 students. CU has an urgent call to increase seating capacity to meet existing demands. Books, computers, and other equipment to modernize the library will be added as part of this project. Budget for this is $250,000.

Funds for the CU Nursing Program, the largest program on campus, which needs improvement and upgrades in all areas. The current facilities were built to accommodate 100 students, but today must accommodate more than 350 students. It is becoming almost impossible to effectively educate these students through normal academic approaches. The budget of these improvements and allied health services is put at $0.75 million.

The funds would be available when the new budget year begins in October. The people who are pushing this have indicated that $1.7 million is nothing, and they strongly believed that CU will get this money. In anticipation of this, President Tokpa and Dr. Kaifa, upon returning to campus, asked all deans to submit a list of people in their disciplines who they think would be good candidates for this training. Most of these lists have already been submitted to Dr. Kaifa. As soon as this money is available, CU will begin to send people for training, the schedule depending on needs.

Dr. Kaifa, in a brief interview with The Cuttington Chronicle, described the trip as a success.

This potential resource comes barely three months after Cuttington entered into a Memorandum of Understanding that will provide for an exchange of students with Rikkyo University in Japan.

Cuttington University, located 20 miles north of Monrovia, is the oldest private, coeducational, four-year, degree-granting institution in sub-Saharan Africa. It issues degrees in the liberal arts and a number of technical studies. It has educated generations of leaders for the nation of Liberia and indeed for West Africa. Its roots lie deep within the history of the nation, the relationship between Liberia and the United States, and the Episcopal Church.

CU Crisis: Boycott and Protest

Classes at Cuttington University resumed on May 14 after a one-month standoff between the Administration and a group of students, led by the officers of Cuttington University Students Association (CUSA). Cuttington was plunged into chaos on April 16, 2007, when these students prevented professors from holding classes until what they called their “Key demands” were met by Administration. The incident cost the University over $50,000 (Fifty thousand thousand United States dollars).

After many attempts by several parties, including CU Administration, the Superintendent of Bong County, the Education Minister of Liberia, the Episcopal Church’s representatives, etc. to dissuade the students failed, the President of Liberia, Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, visited Cuttington on April 18 to speak to students, faculty, and Administration. She was warmly received by all. Before leaving, she promised to help underwrite the feeding cost of those students who were going to remain on campus, after the Administration temporarily closed the school and asked the students to leave campus until an agreement was reached. Upon her return to Monrovia, the Government of Liberia donated $10,000(Ten thousand United States dollars) and 100 bags of rice to feed students as the President had promised. The Administration expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the President for her generosity.

During the discussions preliminary to re-starting classes, the Administration recommended two-semester suspensions to 34 students, an expulsion of one student, and the immediate dissolution of the previous students’ leadership, CUSA. However, individual parents, guardians, and donors, plus the Education Ministry appealed to the Board of Trustees to reduce the penalties. In fact, some concerned Board members promised to pay the $5,381.82 US which is the cost of some of the damages incurred by the University as a result of the computers and accessories that got stolen from the library. Consequently, the Board agreed to reduce the penalties as follows:

The expulsion of one student was reduced to two-semester suspension, during which time that student is to attend a six-month counseling session/program and present CU with a genuine certificate from such program.

The two-semester suspension of all students who played active roles in the strike action were reduced to two weeks, from May 14 t0 28, 2007.

Each suspended student had to write a letter of apology denouncing violence and showing remorse.

On the day of return to school, each suspended student, accompanied by his/her parents/guardians, was required to sign a Behavior Bond, give an open apology in the Epiphany Chapel in the presence of parents and two radio stations the Administration would invite.

Each suspended student is to be placed on disciplinary probation for one academic year and any infraction on the part of such a student would warrant his/her immediate expulsion.

The previous CUSA’s leadership to be dissolved with immediate effect and the Administration to appoint a Liaison Committee, which will administer the affairs of the student body until a committee headed by Dr. Guannu could submit its report on students’ political actions to Administration.

After each served the two-week suspension, followed by the open apology, the protestors returned to classes on Monday, May 28, 2007. In a Chapel Assembly on that day, the suspended students openly apologized to Administration and promised never to resort to violence again.

Furthermore, there was a one-month interruption of instructional activities, which poses a major challenge for both students and instructors. Classes are being held on Saturdays to makeup some of the time missed and the semester is being extended by two weeks. Many students not involved in the protest expressed their dissatisfaction and frustration about the lack of classes. They expressed fears that the money they paid for this semester’s tuition would be wasted and that sponsors would be unwilling to support them in the future.

Student Gov't : IEC Replaces CUSA

On Wednesday, June 6, 2007, about 20 students from the six different colleges gathered to constitute a new student interim leadership to replace the defunct CUSA leadership that was dissolved as a result of the strike.

Mr. Stephen B. Lavalah, Chairman; Mr. Lepolu Tolon, Vice Chairman; Mr. Prince Dinsea, General Secretary; Mr. Dogbazee Zayzay, Assistance Secretary; Ms. Newon Angela Jappah, Financial Secretary; and Mr. John Paye, Chaplain, were all selected by acclamation through the process of consensus in the Peace Institute Building.

Chairman Lavalah, in a brief statement after the election, expressed his thanks and appreciation to his colleagues for giving him the opportunity to serve, promising that he will use the student Hand Book and constructive means to steer the affairs of students.

After the election, each of the students signed the below statement:

“We the student representatives from the constituent colleges of Cuttington, by the power vested in us by the students of said colleges, have formed an interim government named and styled ‘The Interim Executive Committee (IEC)’ to steer the ship of the student populace at Cuttington University. Guided by the Standing Rules and Regulations of the Administration of Cuttington and in a free, fair, democratic and transparent process, we duly selected the members of the IEC. Done on the Main Campus of Cuttington University, at Suakoko, Bong County, this 6th day of June, Anno Domni, Two Thousand and Seven.”

The new officers will be inaugurated in the chapel at 11:45 a.m. on June 28.

Liberian Education Trust Visits CU

Senior Officials of the Liberian Education Trust, LET, on Wednesday, June 6, 2007, visited CU to speak to its sponsored students. The Liberian Education Trust is an Organization initiated by the President of Liberia, Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, to educate females. Currently, there are 25 females benefiting from this scholarship at the University level, and 25 also at the Cuttington Campus School.

The team was headed by Mr. Robert Sirleaf, son of President Sirleaf, Chairperson on the Advisory Board in the United States and Dr. Evelyn Kandakai, Program Director in Liberia.

The team met briefly with some of its beneficiaries in the Chapel. Mr. Sirleaf told beneficiaries that it was incumbent upon them to extend similar opportunities to others in the various communities. “As your tuition is being paid by some one else you don’t know, you too need to organize some kind of free tutorials to help other women who want to learn read and write their names at least two or three times a week,” he told them.

“You could even volunteer to teach at least one hour a week in any community school; just find a way to help some one,” he continued.

Asked how long this program will last, Mr. Sirleaf told the students that the initial budget will last for three years, but could however be renewed.

The students, for their part, promised that they would volunteer some of their services in helping other women in their communities.

President Tokpa thanked the team for their visit noting, “Your message is well received.” He then emphasized the need for these beneficiaries to find a way of helping other people and told the team of Cuttington’s own ambition for students to reach out in the communities, citing the Service Learning Program as an example.

Agriculture Project Undertakes Bridge Construction

Cuttington University is doing everything it can to prevent illegal entry within its environs. This step is particularly necessary to secure the agricultural products, which are being stolen by people who have easy access to Cuttington. Legitimate access to Cuttington must be maintained, however, for the benefit of the four hundred Cuttington students who live beyond the bridge in Goll Farm and Bassa Town.

One of the moves undertaken recently to control the entry of people onto the campus is to construct a bridge that connects to Cuttington, Mr. Yark A. Kolva, the then Farm Manager, told The Cuttington Chronicle. Recently completed, the bridge will serve as the only passageway to Cuttington and will be monitored by security. All other entries will be closed and declared forbidden to use.

How much did it cost CU to construct this bridge? “Over $700 US,” Mr. Kolva told The Cuttington Chronicle.

Meanwhile, one student, commenting on the importance of the bridge to those who live across it, said that the bridge will shorten their distance.

Conservation International Seeks Partnership with CU

In April this year, Conservation International sent a two-man team to CU to explore the possibility of collaboration. E. Chesty Gbongon, Sr., Communications Coordinator, and Joel Gamys, Research Officer, paid a short visit to CU, where they briefly met with the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Steve Kaifa. After his meeting with the team, Dr. Kaifa told The Cuttington Chronicle that the two-man team was here to seek partnership with Cuttington, especially establishing a quick-impact environmental conservation program, using CU facilities, faculty, and staff. A memorandum of understanding, solidifying this partnership, is being discussed.

In still another student related development, the Youth Crime Watch of Liberia, Cuttington Site, on May 26, 2007, extended thanks and appreciation to the Administration for what it called, “Putting into place a mechanized system in regulating the day-to-day activities of students on a standardized basis.”

Subsequently, the Youth Crime Watch of Liberia, Cuttington Site held an honoring program in the Epiphany Chapel on Thursday, June 21, 2007.

Those honored by Youth Crime Watch included the Bangladeshi Contingent of UNMIL Sector 3, Dr. Joseph S. Guannu, Director for the Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution, Mr. Francis O. Nyeekpee, Dean of Students Services, Mr. Anthony Siakor, Director/Management Information System, and by no means the least, Mr. Prince K. Moye, Cafeteria Manager.

These people were honored because of their invaluable services to the University, according to Youth Crime Watch

Meanwhile, Guest Speaker, Mr. Peter F. Z. Zayzay, Commandant, National Police Training Academy and Deputy Director of Police for Training, deliberated on the topic: “The Task of Liberian Youths in Crime Prevention.”

He challenged the Youths to task themselves with the prevention of crime, noting,

“For example, let us look at absenteeism in schools by young people, narcotics use in schools, use of profane languages in schools, stealing our own school fees, the abuse of girls and boys sexually, disrespectful behaviors to parents and school authorities, etc.” Commandant Zayzay said that these are crimes or violent related issues that could either be considered felonious or misdemeanor. So what task is expected of Liberian Youths in crime and violence prevention? Commandant Zayzay highlighted:

Education which according to him, will afford youth the opportunity to acquire foundational knowledge about crime or violence;

Developing positive image about themselves and the country, focusing on the positive attributes of life;

Embarking on awareness exercise or campaign among youth so as to assist youth realize that crime does not pay;

Reporting crimes, no matter what their nature;

Reporting drug dealers and users in schools;

Reporting criminals and their hideouts in schools, among others.

In addition, another Campus-Based Organization, the Concern Christian Community, has donated several consignments of assorted textbooks to Cuttington Campus School. Making the donation on behalf of CCC, Mr. Bizzare Moore said that CCC was donating these books to the campus school as a way of helping to improve the academic standard of the school.

Receiving the books on behalf of the school, the Principal, Rev. Roger Weber thanked CCC for the donation, noting, “These books are very much essential for the students.”

Cuttington Women Association Installs Its Officers

Finally for Campus-Based Organization, the Women of Cuttington University have formed an Organization called Cuttington Women Association (CUWA), with objectives of running adult literacy school, seeking sources of scholarships for girls, and promoting peace among the women of Cuttington, among others. This organization was launched on Saturday, June 9, 2007, in the Epiphany Chapel.

On that day, six officers were installed: Mrs. Samu F. Gono, President; Mrs. Yamah Koikoi, Vice President; Mrs. Cecelia Flomo, Secretary; Ms. Elizabeth Yeken, Financial Secretary; Mrs. Liimu Genegbanyan, Treasury, and Mrs. Marilyn Collins; Chaplain.

CUWA comprises of female male employees and wives of employees of Cuttington University.

In her address, Ms. Elizabeth Mulbah, Guest Speaker, encouraged the women to be good promoters of peace.

In a brief background information about the founding of this Organization, Mrs. Genegbanyan said that they were highly motivated and inspired by the women of Gbarnga, who, during one assembly asked, “Where are the women of Cuttington”?

As part of the University’s support to the CUWA, President Tokpa said that CU will work with the women in every way possible so as to help them achieve their goals

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