MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the University of Liberia (UL) have inked a landmark deal to launch a revolutionary Master’s program in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a state-of-the-art Innovation Hub. This unprecedented partnership signals a bold investment in the nation’s future, aiming to catapult Liberia into the forefront of the global digital economy.
The signing of the Standard Letter of Agreement (SLA) marks the start of a multi-pronged, transformative initiative designed to combat brain drain and create a powerful brain *gain*. The centerpiece is Liberia’s first-ever Master of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence, a cutting-edge curriculum meticulously crafted to produce a homegrown elite of AI specialists, data scientists, and tech visionaries.
Beyond the lecture hall, the partnership will establish a sprawling Innovation Center at UL’s Fendall Campus. This hub, an ambitious expansion of the successful UNIPOD model, is envisioned as the beating heart of Liberia’s tech ecosystem—a place where students, entrepreneurs, and inventors can collaborate, prototype ideas, and launch the startups of tomorrow.
“The future of Liberia is being written in code and built in innovation labs today,” declared UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Aliou Mamadou Dia. “This is far more than an academic program; it is a direct investment in national competitiveness. We are not just teaching skills; we are building a new economic engine for Liberia, confident this initiative will make a significant impact for the entire nation.”
The excitement was palpable at the signing ceremony, where UL President Dr. Layli Maparyan hailed the partnership as a watershed moment. “This collaboration blasts open a new chapter for innovation and engagement at the University of Liberia,” Dr. Maparyan stated. “It is a testament to what we can achieve when we align our vision with partners like UNDP who believe in a transformative future for our youth.”
The initiative is strategically designed for immediate and long-term impact. Kicking off in the coming months, the 2025 Holiday Tech Camp will serve as a fiery launchpad, identifying and nurturing secondary school students with a passion for technology. Furthermore, a comprehensive five-year Strategic Plan and a capacity needs assessment will ensure UL’s faculty is empowered to lead this charge, enhancing research and policy analysis capabilities for decades to come.
Mrs. Weade Kobah Boley, UL’s Vice President for Institutional Development, delivered a powerful promise: “We have dreamed of this day. We have the vision, and now we have the partnership. We *will* make this dream a reality for every young Liberian with a brilliant mind and a big dream.”
