By By: Staff Writer
Fessibu Town, Lofa County — Lofa County University on Friday officially launched Annex-1 in Fessibu Town, a move officials say is aimed at dismantling geography and cost as barriers to university education in northwestern Liberia.
The launch follows the May 2026 transfer of the former Change Agent Network University to LCU, with facilities valued at more than US$400,000. The annex will serve students from Zorzor and Salayea Districts, and is expected to draw applicants from neighboring Bong and Gbarpolu Counties.
The ceremony drew government officials, traditional leaders, women and youth groups, and residents from across the region.
Bringing the university closer to the people
Delivering the keynote, Minister of Local Government Francis Sakila Nyumalin framed the expansion as a national human capital strategy, not just infrastructure.
“By bringing higher education closer to the people, Lofa County University is giving hope to thousands of young Liberians who possess the desire and ability to pursue university education but have been constrained by distance and financial hardship,” Minister Nyumalin said.
He noted that the campus addresses a long-standing demand from rural communities and commended LCU President Dr. Isaac P. Podah for the vision. As a sign of government support, Nyumalin donated 200 bags of cement and pledged to lead a fundraising drive for the campus.
Speaking on behalf of Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Assistant Minister for Budget Sarah M. Mulbah linked the expansion to rising public investment in education.
“The Government of Liberia’s commitment to education is reflected in the national budget,” Mulbah said, noting allocations increased from approximately US$90 million in 2023 to more than US$145 million in 2026.
She assured LCU that the Ministry would “give serious consideration” to increasing budgetary support for the institution during 2027 budget preparations, and praised the transfer agreement for preserving existing educational assets while expanding public access.
500 students expected, more infrastructure needed
Dr. Podah said the annex was created in direct response to appeals from residents of Zorzor and Salayea who could not afford to relocate to Monrovia or the main LCU campus. He thanked Change Agent Network University proprietor Mr. Eric Woiwor for transferring the facilities to government.
“This is the beginning of a broader vision to strengthen the university’s infrastructure, expand academic programs, promote research, and ensure that no deserving Liberian is denied the opportunity to obtain higher education because of geographical or financial barriers,” Dr. Podah said.
He announced that more than 500 students are expected to enroll at Annex-1 in the next semester and called on government, development partners, and citizens to support the campus’ growth.
The launch marks one of LCU’s largest expansions since its establishment and tests a central policy question for Liberia’s education sector: whether decentralizing public universities can meaningfully increase enrollment and retention outside Monrovia without sustained funding and faculty support.
