By: Julius Konton
Lofa County University (LCU) has recorded a dramatic expansion in enrollment, academic programming, and infrastructure, drawing national attention during a high-level visit by Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan.
The visit, part of the Minister’s official tour of Lofa County, brought together university administrators, faculty, students, and government officials to review progress at the institution and to examine the challenges emerging from its rapid growth.
Enrollment Triples in One Year
Once a modest institution with fewer than 700 students, Lofa County University has seen its enrollment rise sharply to nearly 2,000 students within a single academic year, an increase of almost 185 percent, according to university officials.
The surge reflects growing national confidence in the institution and rising demand for higher education in northern Liberia.
LCU President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Isaac P. Podah, said the university has undergone a significant transformation after years marked by limited infrastructure, salary disparities, and largely theoretical academic instruction.
“We have moved from survival to steady growth,” Dr. Podah told participants. “Our focus has been on making education practical, relevant, and accessible.”
Infrastructure, Agriculture, and Technology Gains
Dr. Podah highlighted major institutional gains, including:
Expansion and upgrading of academic programs
Revitalization of agricultural training across more than 300 acres of farmland
Partial solar electrification of the campus
Access to running water and modern sanitation facilities
Improved internet connectivity through Starlink technology
Hands-on engineering programs have also produced tangible outcomes, including the construction of campus walkways and a modern cafeteria, reinforcing LCU’s shift toward applied learning.
Growth Brings New Pressures
Despite the progress, the university faces mounting pressure from its rapid expansion.
Lecture halls are overcrowded, and student dormitories are now being used as classrooms.
Faculty housing remains limited, transportation depends on aging vehicles, and electricity generation still relies heavily on costly fuel-powered generators.
Dr. Podah disclosed that procurement has been completed for a fully solarized campus project, but funding remains outstanding.
Students Applaud Scholarship Support
Speaking on behalf of the student body, Isaac Mustafa praised Minister Ngafuan for sustaining a scholarship and financial assistance program launched in 2012.
The initiative currently supports over 90 students, many from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He pointed to the example of William Dubor, a former beneficiary who has since returned to serve the university, as evidence of the program’s long-term impact.
Government Signals Continued Support
Addressing the gathering, Minister Ngafuan commended the university’s leadership for the responsible use of public resources.
“The money that has gone to this university has been used well,” he said. “That tells me that if more resources are made available, they will also be put to good use.”
The Minister described LCU’s evolution from a long-discussed community college concept into a fully functioning university attracting students from across Liberia as a clear sign of development progress in Lofa County.
Echoing President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s national development philosophy, Minister Ngafuan emphasized gradual but consistent improvement.
“We are moving forward. There will be no turning back. This year will be better than last year,” he said.
As Liberia’s chief budget official, Ngafuan explained that observations from field visits such as this directly inform national budget planning and resource allocation discussions in Monrovia.
He also conveyed greetings from President Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung.
A Personal Commitment to Education
Reflecting on his long-standing support for students across the country, Minister Ngafuan noted that his educational assistance has largely remained private.
“I was once a scholarship student myself,” he said.
“Poverty can be a circumstance, but progress depends on seriousness and hard work.”
Education Seen as Pillar of National Growth
The visit concluded with renewed optimism among students, administrators, and government officials, who reaffirmed their shared belief that sustained investment in education remains one of Liberia’s strongest foundations for inclusive growth, social mobility, and national unity.
