–Proposed Collaboration with LD DIDACT Education Group Aims to Upgrade Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Fisheries and Health Laboratories to International Standards
MONROVIA, Liberia – The University of Liberia (UL) has begun discussions with Germany-based LD DIDACT Education Group on a potential strategic partnership aimed at transforming and modernizing laboratory facilities across the University’s science, engineering, agriculture, fisheries and health-related academic programs.
The initiative forms part of the University’s broader institutional transformation agenda under the leadership of Dr. Layli Maparyan, who has prioritized strengthening science education, research, innovation and workforce development through investments in modern teaching and learning infrastructure.
According to the University, the discussions commenced during a high-level meeting chaired by President Maparyan, who welcomed an LD DIDACT delegation led by Mr. Vladimir (“Vladi”) Shalakov, International Projects Representative, and Dr. Michael Flowers.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Maparyan described the visit as one of several strategic engagements designed to reposition Liberia’s oldest and largest public university as a center of academic excellence capable of producing graduates equipped for the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy.
“This visit represents one of several strategic initiatives currently underway to advance the University of Liberia,” President Maparyan said. “Our goal is to provide our students and faculty with modern laboratories that support quality teaching, meaningful research, and innovation capable of contributing to Liberia’s national development.”
During the engagement, Mr. Shalakov presented an overview of LD DIDACT Education Group’s international experience in designing, equipping and supporting educational laboratories in more than 170 countries. He highlighted the increasing importance of practical, hands-on learning, digital technologies, artificial intelligence and modern laboratory systems in preparing students for today’s competitive workforce.
He explained that the company provides comprehensive laboratory solutions that extend beyond equipment procurement to include needs assessments, laboratory design, installation, curriculum support, staff training, educational software and long-term technical support.
University officials said the proposed collaboration seeks to ensure that laboratory facilities meet international standards while enhancing students’ practical skills and expanding opportunities for scientific research and innovation.
During discussions, deans and department chairpersons from several colleges outlined longstanding challenges affecting laboratory instruction at the University. Among the concerns raised were inadequate laboratory space, obsolete equipment, limited opportunities for practical training and increasing student enrollment, all of which they said continue to constrain effective teaching, learning and research.
The academic leaders stressed the urgent need for modern laboratory facilities to support programs in physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, agriculture, fisheries, environmental science, public health and information technology, among other disciplines.
As part of the engagement, the LD DIDACT delegation is expected to spend several days conducting detailed assessments of laboratory facilities across the University. The assessment will enable the German education group to develop a comprehensive proposal tailored to the specific needs of individual colleges, departments and academic programs.
University officials believe that modern laboratory infrastructure will significantly strengthen practical education, improve research capacity, foster innovation and better prepare graduates to compete in both Liberia’s labor market and the international workforce.
The initiative also aligns with the University’s long-term vision of producing highly skilled professionals capable of contributing to Liberia’s scientific, technological and socio-economic transformation.
Background
Founded in 1862, the University of Liberia is the country’s oldest institution of higher learning and remains Liberia’s flagship public university. In recent years, the institution has embarked on an ambitious reform agenda focused on improving academic quality, expanding research, modernizing infrastructure and strengthening international partnerships.
The proposed collaboration with LD DIDACT Education Group represents another step in that effort, reflecting the University’s commitment to creating a modern learning environment that equips students with the practical knowledge and technical competencies needed to address Liberia’s development challenges and compete successfully in the global knowledge economy.
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