UL Signs MOU With IAGP to Promote Sustainable Partnership, Others
Anthony Gray
bishopgrayjranthony@gmail.com
Liberia-April 3, 2023: In an effort to boost stronger and sustainable educational partnership, the state-run University of Liberia (UL) and the Nigerian-based International Academy for Gender and Peace (IAGP) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The signing of the MOU follows a two-day West Africa Regional Conference on mainstreaming gender in the security sector in Africa.
The signing ceremony which was held on March 31, 2023, in the Auditorium of the University of Liberia Capitol Hill campus, witnessed the UL Vice President for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Moses Moroe Zinnah signing on behalf of the UL, while IAGP President Prof. Frederick McFadden Terhemba Tyoor signed on behalf of his institution.
The MoU seeks to develop academic and educational cooperation based on equality and reciprocity and to promote sustainable partnership and mutual understanding between UL and IAGP.
Under the partnership, both institutions will run programs for Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Gender and Security Studies collaboratively. They may engage in joint research activities; joint assessment and appointment of relevant staff on the faculty of their collaborative programs.
As part of the MOU, UL and IAGP may organize and participate in seminars, symposiums, short-term academic programs, and academic meetings. Additionally, they may exchange research and educational materials, publications, and academic information.
The MOU highlighted the provision of other technical assistance, and engage in other academic activities that may be considered beneficial to both institutions from time to time.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, UL Vice President Prof. Dr. Moses M. Zinnah indicated that the University of Liberia’s Administration remains committed to exploring demand-driven academic programs.
“If you listened over the last two days, what we discussed is an emerging area of interest. How to integrate both men and women as partners to ensure security in our sub-region, of course globally,” Dr. Zinnah said.
For his part, IAGP President Prof. Frederick McFadden Terhemba Tyoor said he was looking forward to seeing formidable exploits in the area, thus applauding the progression of the program between UL and IAGP. “We are here to formalize this relationship which automatically means that the Academy is the University of Liberia; the University of Liberia is the Academy, and therefore, a lot of joint academic activities will begin from today,” said Prof. Tyoor.
The signing of the MOU took place at the end of a two day conference with regional and national security and government officials, academic administrators, faculty, staff and students, and members of the public, among others.
Also, UL Vice President for Institutional Development and Planning, and Chairperson of the Conference Planning Committee, Associate Prof. Weade Kobbah-Boley, witnessed the signing.
