Fendall, Louisiana: The University of Liberia has officially received a newly constructed state-of-the-art teaching complex to bolster fisheries and aquatic science education at the institution.
The US$ 1.8M facility, known as the Regional Center of Excellence for Fisheries Science and Governance, is funded by the World Bank and implemented under the auspices of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA).
The new fisheries facility consists of 28 rooms, 14 of which are self-contained, 11 classrooms, 7 offices and 4 bathrooms. The facility will also host the fisheries department and provide dormitory accommodation for students in the department.
Authorities of the University of Liberia say the new facility will not only serve as a hub for excellence and innovation, but will help in repositioning Liberia as a global leader in the maritime sector.
“This facility will serve as a beacon of knowledge, training future generations of fisheries professionals, scientists, and policy makers who will drive the sustainable development of Liberia’s vast marine resources,” UL President, Dr. Layli Maparyan stated during the turnover ceremony.
President Maparyan pledged the UL’s commitment to providing quality fisheries education and research that would contribute meaningfully to the livelihood of the country’s fishing sector.
President Maparyan lauded the government and partners, especially the NaFAA and the World Bank for collaborating with the UL to ensure the timely completion of the facility. Dr. Maparyan also called on the students to take advantage of the facility in rekindling Liberia’s maritime pride.
Meanwhile, in his turnover statement, the Acting Director General of NaFAA, Mr. Cyrus Saygbe, admonished the University of Liberia to use the facility for the intended purpose.
Mr. Saygbe revealed that NaFAA and the World Bank have entered a landmark agreement to fund the construction of several fish ponds for the UL to enhance the practical knowledge of the students.
“I’m am pleased to announce that through the World Bank and through the Project Implementation Unit, we have agreed to fund the construction of fish ponds for demonstration purposes for the University of Liberia’s Fisheries Department, with NaFAA providing its technical services”.
Speaking on behalf of World Bank, the bank’s lead Economists for Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Mr. Stefano Curto expressed excitement over the bank’s collaboration with the UL and NaFAA in the implementation of the project. While reflecting on the significance of fisheries education, Mr. Curto called on the UL to properly utilize the facility, adding, “globally, there has been a change in the last 20 some years in terms of economic convergence; and this campus should play a critical role in that direction.
