Finance Minister Augustine Ngafuan
Voinjama, Lofa County — Lofa County University (LCU) was the focus of a high-level engagement on Wednesday during the Lofa County tour of the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan.
The indoor program brought together university leadership, faculty, and students to assess progress, discuss remaining challenges, and reaffirm the importance of education to Liberia’s national development.
LCU President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Isaac P. Podah, outlined the institution’s transformation from years of weak infrastructure, limited amenities, salary disparities, and largely theoretical academic programs into a more functional and expanding university.
He highlighted key achievements, including upgraded academic offerings, improved facilities, revived agricultural programs on more than 300 acres, partial campus solarization, access to running water, modern bathrooms, and enhanced internet connectivity through Starlink. He also noted that hands-on engineering training has resulted in the construction of campus walkways and a modern cafeteria.
Despite these gains, Dr. Podah underscored persistent challenges. Student enrollment has increased from about 700 to nearly 2,000 within a year, placing severe pressure on classrooms and housing. Dormitories are being used as lecture halls, staff accommodation remains limited, transportation relies on aging vehicles, and power generation depends on costly generators. A fully solarized campus project has completed procurement and is awaiting funding.
Student Isaac Mustafa also addressed the program, expressing gratitude to Minister Ngafuan for his support of a sustained scholarship and financial aid initiative. This program, established in 2012, currently provides assistance to over 90 students.
Mr. Mustafa highlighted the enduring impact of the program by referencing the experience of Mr. William Dubor, a former beneficiary who now contributes to the university.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Ngafuan expressed strong satisfaction with the university’s growth and the responsible use of public resources.
“The money that has gone to this university has been used well, and that tells me that if more resources are made available, they will also be put to good use,” the Minister said.
He described LCU’s evolution from a long-discussed community college concept into a thriving university attracting students from across Liberia as clear evidence of real transformation in Lofa County. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to steady progress, he emphasized that improvement remains ongoing.
“We are moving forward. There will be no turning back. This year will be better than last year,” the Minister said, echoing President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s vision of incremental and measurable progress.
Minister Ngafuan explained that, as a budget official, he documents observations from such visits to guide future resource allocation and to advocate for institutional needs during national budget discussions in Monrovia.
He conveyed greetings from President Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung.
Reflecting on his personal support for education, Minister Ngafuan noted that he has quietly supported students across Liberia for many years.
“I do not do this for publicity. I was once a scholarship student myself. Poverty can be a circumstance, but progress depends on seriousness and hard work,” he said.
The visit concluded with renewed optimism, as students, administrators, and government officials reaffirmed their shared belief that sustained investment in education remains one of Liberia’s strongest foundations for inclusive growth and national unity.
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