By Vaye A. Lepolu
Monrovia: In a groundbreaking development for higher education and peacebuilding on the African continent, the University of Liberia (UL) officially launched Liberia’s first Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs in Gender and Security Studies, on July 2, 2025.
The landmark event, held on the university’s Capitol Hill campus, attracted national and international stakeholders, scholars, development partners, and representatives from the International Academy for Gender and Peace (IAGP), Nigeria—the institution’s key partner in this academic venture.
The launch is the result of a multi-year collaboration that began with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in March 2023, followed by a second MoU in 2024 to reinforce the initial agreement. The initiative aims to train a new cadre of African scholars and practitioners equipped to address complex security and gender-related challenges across the continent.
Delivering the keynote address, UL President Dr. Lily Mapayah highlighted the importance of the new graduate programs in shaping Liberia’s academic legacy and contributing to global knowledge. “Today, we open a new chapter in our 163-year-old institution by launching Liberia’s first graduate-level programs in gender and security studies. This is a historic achievement for our university and country,” Dr. Mapayah declared.
The M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs are fully funded by IAGP, with 80% of the faculty drawn from Nigerian universities. Students from across Africa are expected to enroll, transforming UL into a regional hub for gender and security studies.
The university leadership extended special thanks to Professor Frederick Mark Fidel, Director of the African Center for Advanced Studies on Gender and Security and Chair of the African Committee of Experts on Gender and Security Studies. Prof. Fidel, whose commitment and vision played a central role in the partnership, announced a US$25,000 donation to support research and training activities under the new program.
Also recognized were Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, a renowned scholar and inaugural lecturer for the program, and several key UL officials, including Prof. Edna Taylor, who secured academic approval, Associate Prof. Korpo Boley of Institutional Development, and Madam Chokota, who ensured space was allocated on Capitol Hill for the program’s operation.
In a special statement delivered on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the Liberian leader praised the initiative, calling it “a major step forward in Liberia’s educational transformation and peacebuilding agenda.” Although unable to attend due to official obligations, President Boakai pledged government support for the program in the 2026 national budget, emphasizing its alignment with the administration’s ARREST agenda for inclusive development and human capacity building.
“This program marks a significant milestone in the University of Liberia’s journey toward academic excellence and national relevance. It reflects our nation’s commitment to gender justice, peace, and security,” the president stated.
The launch comes at a crucial time as Liberia prepares to take up a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (2026–2027). The program is expected to produce skilled professionals who will contribute to both national and global peace and security efforts.
The curriculum will blend theory and practice, enabling graduates to advise institutions such as the Armed Forces of Liberia, design community early warning systems, and lead gender-sensitive security audits. It also aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 5 and 16, focused on gender equality and strong institutions.
Faculty members were encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary research in areas such as cyber-security, gender-based violence, and climate-linked displacement, while development partners were called upon to support the initiative through scholarships, field placements, and international exchanges.
As Dr. Mapayah noted in her closing remarks, “Security is only sustainable when it is inclusive and gender-informed. Let this program serve as a beacon of transformation for Liberia, West Africa, and the entire continent.”
Enrollment for the new M.Sc. and Ph.D. Programs in Gender and Security Studies are now open.
