–First Cohort of 45 LNP and Fire Service Officers Begin Cuttington University Scholarship Program, Blending Education with Service for a Stronger Security Sector
SUAKOKO, BONG COUNTY – In a bold step toward professionalizing Liberia’s security sector, the Liberia National Police (LNP) has officially enrolled the first batch of beneficiaries in a new scholarship program in partnership with Cuttington University.
Speaking on the initiative, Liberia’s Inspector General of Police, Colonel Gregory O. W. Coleman, emphasized the importance of combining education with service. “We remain committed to building a professional security sector where education and service go hand in hand,” he said.
The inaugural cohort, comprising 45 individuals, includes LNP officers, civilian personnel, and officers of the Liberia National Fire Service. They have begun their studies this semester at Cuttington University’s Suakoko campus in Bong County.
Colonel Coleman described education as “a powerful tool for transformation” and underscored the program’s long-term impact on national security. “By investing in learning and personal development, we are preparing a new generation of security professionals whose knowledge and integrity will enhance their service to our nation,” he noted.
The program is part of broader efforts to strengthen governance, accountability, and professionalism within Liberia’s security institutions. Analysts say that such initiatives could help address longstanding challenges, including limited technical expertise, gaps in leadership training, and public trust in security services.
Cuttington University, one of Liberia’s oldest private institutions, offers courses designed to build critical thinking, ethical leadership, and technical competence—skills that are expected to equip the new officers to face contemporary security challenges effectively.
Officials from both the LNP and Cuttington University expressed optimism that the partnership will serve as a model for other security agencies and educational institutions in Liberia, reinforcing the principle that a well-educated security force is essential for national stability and development.
