Liberia, Chicago State University To Sign Landmark Education Partnership

By Jamesetta D Williams

Liberia’s Ministry of Education, in partnership with the Academic Consortium of Liberian Universities, is set to sign a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chicago State University (CSU) in the United States, aimed at transforming tertiary education and expanding academic opportunities for Liberian students and faculty.

The signing ceremony, scheduled for October 20, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois, marks a major milestone in Liberia’s pursuit of global academic collaboration and educational excellence. The agreement is expected to strengthen ties between the two nations through research, teaching, and technology-driven learning initiatives.

According to the Ministry, the MoU will facilitate student and faculty exchanges, study-abroad programs, joint research projects, and academic seminars and workshops. In addition, the partnership will offer special tuition discounts to Liberian students who enroll in CSU’s online degree programs in Public Health, Health Information Administration, and Computer Science. The University also plans to introduce future online programs in Business and Education specifically tailored for Liberian learners.

Education authorities believe the partnership will make high-quality international education more accessible and affordable to Liberians while enhancing local institutions’ capacity for research, innovation, and academic development.

“The collaboration is a vital step toward building a modern and globally competitive education system that prepares Liberia’s youth to meet the challenges of the 21st century,” the Ministry of Education noted in a statement.

The Academic Consortium of Liberian Universities, comprising the University of Liberia, Tubman University, Cuttington University, Nimba University, Lofa County University, Margibi University, and Liberia International Christian College, will coordinate the implementation of the agreement under the Ministry’s guidance.

Representing the Government of Liberia at the signing ceremony will be Mr. Nyekeh Forkpa, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Education, and Hon. Dehpue Y. Zuo, Deputy Minister for Economic Management at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.

Signing on behalf of Chicago State University will be Dr. Zaldwaynaka Scott, J.D., President of CSU, and Dr. Sonja Feist-Price, Provost and Senior Vice President.

The event will bring together senior government officials, academic leaders, and representatives from both Liberia and the United States.

Observers say the partnership represents a forward-looking educational initiative that will empower Liberian universities, foster innovation, and expand digital learning opportunities. It is also expected to open new doors for collaboration in research and curriculum development, benefiting students and faculty in both countries for years to come.