–Principal Dr. Nancy T. Freeman Unveils Institutional Transformation, International Partnerships, Scholarship Initiatives, and Infrastructure Upgrades as Booker Washington Institute Celebrates 97th Founders Day
KAKATA, Margibi County – As Booker Washington Institute (BWI) celebrated its 97th Founders Day on Saturday, June 27, the institution did far more than commemorate nearly a century of technical and vocational excellence. It unveiled an ambitious roadmap for its future—one centered on academic innovation, international collaboration, infrastructure modernization, student empowerment and preparations for its historic centennial celebration in 2029.
The day-long celebration, held under the theme “Honoring Our Founders, Celebrating Our Legacy Towards the Centenary,” brought together President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., senior government officials, lawmakers, diplomats, development partners, alumni from Liberia and abroad, educators, students and representatives of leading American universities, underscoring BWI’s growing stature as one of West Africa’s premier technical and vocational institutions.
While President Boakai used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to technical education, Principal Dr. Nancy T. Freeman delivered a comprehensive State of the Institution report that highlighted significant progress made over the past year and outlined an ambitious vision for BWI’s second century.
A School on the Move
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Freeman described Booker Washington Institute as an institution undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its modern history.
She said the administration has remained focused on improving academic standards, modernizing campus infrastructure, strengthening institutional governance, expanding student opportunities and building international partnerships that will position BWI to meet the demands of an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
“Our vision is not simply to preserve the proud legacy of Booker Washington Institute,” Dr. Freeman declared.
“Our mission is to build upon that legacy and prepare this institution to lead Liberia’s technical and vocational education system well into its second century.”
She emphasized that BWI’s transformation is guided by a commitment to excellence, innovation and workforce development—principles that have defined the institution since its establishment in 1929.
International Partnerships Continue to Grow
Among the major highlights of the celebration was BWI’s expanding collaboration with internationally renowned institutions, particularly Tuskegee University in Alabama and Prairie View A&M University in Texas.
The partnerships have already facilitated faculty exchanges, curriculum development, agricultural research, engineering collaboration and professional development opportunities for faculty and students.
Representatives from both universities attended the Founders Day celebration, reaffirming their commitment to supporting BWI’s continued growth.
Officials said the partnerships are expected to expand further into areas including renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, entrepreneurship and agricultural innovation.
Dr. Freeman described the collaborations as strategic investments that will strengthen Liberia’s human capital while exposing BWI students to international best practices.
“These partnerships are helping us prepare our students not simply for today’s jobs, but for tomorrow’s economy,” she said.
Investing in Students
The institution also celebrated a major boost to student support through scholarship commitments announced during the ceremony.
Several distinguished alumni and supporters pledged scholarships totaling US$9,000 to assist deserving students pursuing technical and vocational education at BWI.
Dr. Freeman praised the donors for investing directly in Liberia’s future workforce.
She said expanding scholarship opportunities remains one of the administration’s priorities as it works to ensure that talented students are not denied access to education because of financial constraints.
The scholarship pledges drew sustained applause from students and parents attending the ceremony.
Recognizing Excellence
One of the ceremony’s most anticipated moments was the presentation of the prestigious Tiger Awards, which recognize distinguished alumni whose professional achievements have brought honor to Booker Washington Institute and Liberia.
Among those honored was Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, whose emotional acceptance remarks highlighted the enduring influence of BWI on his life and career.
Other distinguished Liberians were similarly recognized for excellence in public service, education, business, engineering and national development.
The awards reflected the institution’s longstanding tradition of celebrating graduates who exemplify discipline, leadership, integrity and service.
A Keynote Rooted in Service
Delivering the keynote address, Apostle Dr. Samuel L. Dunbar challenged graduates, students and alumni to embrace leadership rooted in integrity, humility and service to humanity.
He urged young Liberians to reject mediocrity and instead pursue excellence through discipline, faith and continuous learning.
According to Dr. Dunbar, institutions like BWI occupy a unique place in Liberia’s development because they produce graduates capable of solving practical problems while leading with moral character.
He reminded students that technical competence alone is insufficient unless accompanied by ethical leadership and a commitment to national service.
Transforming the Campus
Dr. Freeman also highlighted ongoing investments aimed at improving the learning environment.
She outlined progress in renovating classrooms, upgrading laboratories and workshops, enhancing student accommodation, strengthening campus security and improving information technology infrastructure.
The institution is also expanding digital learning opportunities while improving administrative systems to enhance efficiency and student services.
According to the Principal, these improvements are intended to ensure that BWI remains competitive with leading technical institutions across Africa.
She credited faculty members, alumni, government partners and international collaborators for helping sustain the institution’s transformation.
Road to 100
Perhaps the strongest message delivered throughout the celebration was that Booker Washington Institute is no longer looking backward—it is looking ahead.
With only three years remaining before its historic centennial, administrators say preparations are already underway for what they hope will become one of the largest educational celebrations in Liberia’s history.
The centenary, they said, will provide an opportunity not only to celebrate the institution’s remarkable legacy but also to unveil a new strategic vision for the next hundred years.
Founded in 1929 with support from the governments of Liberia and the United States, Booker Washington Institute has produced thousands of graduates who have contributed to agriculture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, education, business and public administration.
As Liberia continues to prioritize technical and vocational education as a key driver of economic growth, BWI appears determined to remain at the forefront of that national transformation.
For Dr. Freeman and the thousands gathered in Kakata, Saturday’s celebration was therefore more than a birthday.
It was a declaration that after 97 years of shaping skilled professionals and nation builders, Booker Washington Institute is preparing to enter its second century stronger, more innovative and more globally connected than ever before.
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