MONROVIA: Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, a world-class Liberian biomedical scientist, has cautioned recent graduates of the University of Liberia (UL), to use the ability now available to them by utilizing cutting-edge technology to harness the power of nature and the environment by finding solutions to problems for the benefit of Liberia, Africa and humanity.
Delivering his Commencement Convocation Address at the 104 combined J.J. R. Faulkner College of Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Forestry, College of Engineering and the David A. Straz-Sinje Vocational and Technical College, Dr. Nyan told the graduates: “This is your mission” which, according to “comrade Frantz Fanon, you must fulfil or betray.”
He also told the graduates a short story of today’s reality.
The story is about a young engineer, who upon graduation, was employed by the government and tasked with supervising and monitoring the construction of roads and bridges across the country.
“Technically brilliant, this engineer had the knowledge to make a difference; instead, colluded with rogue contractors to build aesthetically pleasing, yet structurally unsound roads and bridges across the country,” he narrated.
According to Dr. Nyan, “a few years later, the flaws in the projects began to show. Cracks appeared in the roads and bridges, instead of solving problems, it became an unbearable nightmare with potholes everywhere.”
The once-brilliant engineer, whom the people looked up to, now faced the consequences of actions that caused the country and aid donors to waste millions of US dollars and perpetuating the circle of corruption. Then, the people began to cry, “What a waste of education!”
Nyan further narrated that “what this brilliant engineer failed to realize is that, with education, comes great responsibility- a responsibility owed not to oneself, but to our communities, our country, and the world at large; that responsibility of honesty, integrity, transparency, accountability, and respect.”
The scientific researcher and inventor informed the graduates that “the actions of this engineer are so engrained in our Liberia work-culture to the extent that some people who enter public service are only interested in praises, sycophancy, mediocrity, corruption, bribes, and kickbacks to the detriment of our country.”
“For this reason,”, according to Dr. Nyan. “we are where we are today, and our problems seem not to be going away.”
Dr. Nyan: “This is the culture that this new political arrangement is fighting to change with the emphasis on love for country, patriotism, hard work, and dedication;
“That sense of national responsibility of which former US. President John F. Kennedy challenged not only the Americans, but all of humanity as: ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country’;
…Or better so “in HE Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s words: “Think Liberia, Love Liberia, Build Liberia” … “Or even from a pan African perspective, I can better say “Think Africa, Love Africa, Build Africa;
And further from a global view, “I can say Think humanity and build humanity.”
The Keynote speaker made it clear to the graduates that “Our approach to addressing our country’s problems requires us to think deeper and critically;
“Look into our hearts, refine our attitude and behavior, and work with patriotism, honesty, integrity and respect for others.”
“This is why, I am asking you to not be like the engineer in the story I just told you. Don’t fall prey to temptations of corruption and unaccountability.
“You have gained knowledge, knowledge, you know, is power and that power must be humanized-defining it as the human side of education.
“That means, the degree you hold is not just a testament to your hard work, but a call to national service and an obligation to act in the best interest of society, and to improve human lives.
“ I am letting you to know these things so that you do not repeat some of the past and present generation’s mistakes.
“Liberia has suffered too much and too long, and the country is continuously bleeding as a result,” he stressed.
Nyan: “Yes, we have fought colonialism, we have fought the exploitations of multinational companies, we have fought human rights abuses. So, no one is entertaining the exploitation of our countries any more.
“But what is intriguing is how some citizens always fight so hard to blame the Americans for Liberia’s underdevelopment,” he stated.
Dr. Nyan: “Do you know how mush USAID have spent in Liberia over the years? For example, during the past national government administration in 2023, USAID gave Liberia a funding of an estimated US$850,000 to upgrade medical facilities in Margibi County, but corrupt officials used the money for themselves, while the people suffer.
He asked: “ So, will you blame America for the poor health of Liberians in Margibi?”
“So, as you leave the University of Liberia, I want you to know that you success will not be measured by professional achievement alone, but by the integrity in which conduct yourselves and professional duties,” he stressed.
“The Liberia you seek and discuss daily is only possible when you use your education for the good of the people and not to exploit them.
“The lives of millions of Liberians will depend on the decisions you make in both public and private sectors. So, when you leave from here, become critical thinkers, become problems-solvers, provide solutions to our complex problems, be the change-makers that Liberia desperately needs. Your contributions will matter,” emphasized.
Nyan: “Please do not join the bandwagon and neglect the human side of education for personal gains, thus perpetuating the cycle of underdevelopment and poverty.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Nyan called on the University of Liberia Administration to establish an endowment Fund, explore farming, and incorporate Research and Development (R&D) into the academic process.
He also called on the Alumni Association of the University of Liberia to help mobilize through networking to help the University.
While applauding the graduates, he urged them in these words: “I wish you all the best as you embark on the next chapter of your lives. May your journey be filled with purpose, innovation, and success. The future is not something that happens to us; it is something that we create.
“ Each of you, in your own way, has the power to shape the future-not not just for yourselves, but for your families, your communities, and your nation.
“Liberia is at a crossroad, and we need your passion, your expertise, and your vision to build a better tomorrow.”
