MONROVIA – The political leader of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), and two-term presidential hopeful, Mr. Alexander B. Cummings, has defined four key areas of concentration for investment in the education sector as a means of accelerating Liberia’s socio-economic and political development.
Serving as keynote speaker on September 12, 2025, at the Alexander B. Cummings Model Science and Technology School (ABCMSTS), the ANC standard bearer said for the country to progress, investment emphasis must be placed on building the capacity of teachers; establishing a two-track educational system; investing in adult education, and investing in systems that guarantee quality education.
Expressing his appreciation to the graduates, Mr. Cummings called on the young academic guns to take a deep breath and feel this moment, because this was their day.
“You earned it through long nights of study, challenging projects, and a commitment to excellence. You are the pride of your families, the pride of this institution, and a shining hope for the future of Liberia. Let’s give these amazing graduates a huge round of applause! Cummings said.
But despite his upbeat mood, Mr. Cummings had no illusion about the task ahead for the young high school graduates, as they entered another phase of their lives to seek higher education or vocational expertise. This is where he laid out his counsel for a better understanding of the taks ahead.
“If we want a better Liberia, we must focus on four key priorities. First, we must invest in our teachers. A school is only as good as its teachers. We can build beautiful buildings, but if the teaching is poor, we are wasting our time. It’s simple: garbage in, garbage out. We need highly qualified, well-trained, and well-paid teachers at every level – from elementary school to university to vocational centers. This must be our number one priority.
“Second, we must build a two-track educational system. Not everyone wants to be a doctor or a lawyer, and that is perfectly fine. Our country desperately needs skilled electricians, master plumbers, expert mechanics, modern farmers, and world-class IT technicians. We need to invest in vocational and technical training just as much as we invest in traditional academic education. “And both tracks must be powered by STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. This is the engine of the modern world.
“Third, we must invest in adult education. We cannot build a strong future if a large part of our current population cannot read, write, or perform basic math. We have parents and grandparents with so much wisdom to offer, but they are held back by functional illiteracy. We must give them the tools to succeed. We cannot leave a whole generation behind.
“And fourth, we must invest in the systems that guarantee quality. We need strong standards. A diploma from a school in Maryland should mean the same thing as a diploma from a school in Montserrado. We need processes for accountability to make sure our schools are performing, and our children are truly learning. You cannot build a strong house on a weak foundation, and these systems are our educational foundation,” Mr. Cummings said.
“No Financial Benefits”
In a bid to clear the air over long-standing rumors that he had established the STEM school as a profit-making institution, Mr. Cummings clarified that he has no vested interest other than seeking the welfare of Liberian youths in need of quality education.
“My family, the Cummings family, believes deeply in these principles. Our commitment to education, and especially to STEM education, is why we have provided significant financial support to help establish and grow this very school, ABCMSTS. And on this point, allow me to be very clear. This is a point of personal privilege.
Although this school carries my name, my family and I do not own it. We Do Not Benefit Financially From ABCMSTS. NO Financial Benefits At All!!!
“Our investment is an investment in the future of Liberia. It is an investment in YOU. We believe in building a country where every child has the opportunity to reach their God-given potential.
“So, to the graduating class of 2025: Go forth from this place with courage and with confidence. You are the architects of the new Liberia. Go and build. Go and innovate. Go and lead. Never forget the lessons you learned here, and never, ever stop learning. Congratulations, and may God bless you all, and may God bless the Republic of Liberia,” Mr. Cummings stated proudly.