Theme: “The Power of Visionary Thinking: Unlocking Potentials and Inspiring Future Success”
Distinguished University President, Dr. Olu Q. Menjay,
Esteemed Faculty and Staff of the Tubman University,
The Honorable Superintendent of the Maryland and other officials of government present
Invited Guests,
Our Proud Parents, Guardians, and Sponsors,
And most importantly—our dedicated students of Tubman University
Members of the Media
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Mr. President, I extend my gratitude to you for inviting me not just to speak at this occasion but to see firsthand the tremendous progress your visionary leadership has brough to this institution. I am particularly grateful to you, your faculty and staff because being a son of the South East, Tubman University represents the shining light that is academically illuminating the Southeast, ensuring that students from this part of Liberia have quality tertiary education to make them competitive in the labor market.
The story of Tubman University is a story of visionary thinking and relentless hope. What began as the William V.S Tubman College of Technology to train Liberia’s next generation of engineers and technocrats has now morphed into a vibrant University with six thriving colleges providing excellent instruction to thousands of students from across Liberia.
Today, this institution that was once a little structure nestled in the Southeast, is now an academic superstructure supporting the growth and development with qualified and well-trained professionals from across several disciplines. This is a testament to the kind of visionary leadership demonstrated by the distinguished patriots who have had the honor and will to serve as President of the University. 
It is indeed not a coincidence that the theme of this opening convocation is: “The Power of Visionary Thinking: Unlocking Potential and Inspiring future success”. This theme is not just a slogan—it is a call to action. A call to dream beyond limitations, to think boldly, and to act with purpose. It challenges each of us—students, educators, and national leaders—to reimagine Liberia’s future through excellence, discipline, and innovation.
But today’s occasion must be dedicated to speaking directly to our students since it is they who must be the vision bearers for the future of Liberia. Our dear students, this new academic year is your blank canvas.
Your education is the brush and your vision for your future is the color. What you paint with the brush will be a reflection not only of your talents but of your determination, discipline, and the courage to dream without limits. You are not just here to earn a degree, you are here to prepare for the great responsibilities of shaping industries, transforming communities and influencing national policies.
Those who have changed societies and broken new grounds for human progress are those who commit themselves to hard work, discipline, commitment and never quit trying even when there are many obstacles. You have to believe in yourself and your abilities in everything do because self-doubt kills more dreams than failures. Always remember to stay focus, positive and motivated even in the face of challenges.
I challenge each of you to think beyond the walls of the classroom. Seek knowledge not only to pass exams but to solve problems and take initiatives. Liberia and the world are in need of those who are ready to solve problems and create opportunities for the betterment of society. 
Knowledge must have a practical effect on society. In that way society makes progress. If you are aspiring to be an engineer, the question should be “how can I be of help in solving the infrastructural challenges of Liberia after my graduation”. And how can I ensure that I commit myself to my studies to acquire the depth of knowledge and intuition to become a problem solver in the engineering field?
Let your time at Tubman University be the season when your vision takes root, your potential blossoms, and your contribution to humanity begins to take shape. Using the Maritime sector as a classical example, we often say “a ship is safe in harbor, but that is not what ships are built for” A ship is built to navigate the sea and encounter the winds and gale.
It is meant to be in turbulence of the sea because it is only within the turbulence of the deep sea a ship can actually perform the task for which it was built. It is in the high seas that a ship demonstrates its importance to global trade by moving goods and people from one location to another. Similarly, as students, you were not built to remain in the comfort of the familiar. You are meant to venture into uncharted waters, to face storms with courage, and to arrive at destinations that will inspire generations after you. Face the storm of midnight studies and the tiring effect of sleepless nights with grace.
You have to be ready to encounter the roughness and discomfort of waking up on time every day to catch your morning lectures with courage and discipline. Be prepared to control the stomach with tremendous courage during challenging nights to feed the brain. It is by facing these rough and difficult challenges that you fashion yourself into a professional man or woman with the knowledge and skills to face the real world. 
Our wonderful students, the mind is the most precious resource any nation has and hence, you must cultivate it well so that the fruits therefrom can be helpful to mama Liberia. As the Chinese proverb says: the roots of education are better but the fruits are sweet. Plant the bitter roots by paying undiluted attention to your lessons and studying assiduously and you will reap the very sweet fruits in the near future.
Let me share a portion of my life journey, which foundation is found in the roots of education. I started my schooling in Bong Mines, Bong County in the early eighties which was disrupted because of the civil war. Due to the prolong civil war, I continue my schooling as a refugee like many Liberians. I never stopped learning or pursuing my goals, and because of that discipline, commitment and persistence along with my family support, I am where I am today.
Let me say to you all students, if you challenge yourself to keep learning with discipline and ready to take calculated risks, you will achieve wonders and do far more than what we have done. Let me admonish you to stay ahead of the curve, challenge status quo and speed toward your goals. In the words of former United States President, Abraham Lincoln” the best way to predict the future is to create it” hence the challenge is yours.
In closing I will like to state that pursuant to our commitment to continue the stock of qualified professionals in the maritime industry in Liberia, the Liberia Maritime Authority will be supporting two students who are graduates of Tubman University to pursue studies in Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering at Masters level in India. The two students are Solomon T. Nyeman, Jr, and Lucidia M. Sherman.
The Liberia Maritime Authority will also be sponsoring deserving students at Masters level for the program in Safety, Security and Risk Management at the Regional Maritime University in Accra, Ghana. Additionally, we will be providing local sponsorship to hundred (100) deserving students for the next three years.
Thanks, and may this academic year be one of focus, creativity and groundbreaking achievements. May God bless Tubman University, the Republic of Liberia and all those who strive for a better and brighter future.
Thank you!
