UMU Launches QR  Anti-Forgery Degrees -Prexy Wesseh Rolls Out Tamper-Proof Degree Certificates

MONROVIA – The United Methodist University is moving to close the door on degree fraud. Acting President Ambassador Cllr. Medina A. Wesseh announced Thursday that QR Code-enabled degree certificates will be issued beginning June 15, 2026. The technology makes photocopying a certificate automatically disable the QR Code, rendering fraudulent reproduction nearly impossible. The announcement came alongside a broader institutional briefing covering solar infrastructure upgrades at the Ganta campus, Agriculture College expansion plans, Harvard-bound alumni, and Indian Embassy support. Two UMU graduates have earned degrees from Harvard University. The university’s 21st Commencement convered degrees on 612 graduates. A new substantive president is expected before the 2026/2027 academic year opens. THE ANALYST reports.

The Acting President of the United Methodist University (UMU), Ambassador Cllr. Medina A. Wesseh, on Thursday, June 11, 2026, painted an optimistic picture of the institution’s growth and modernization drive, announcing a range of initiatives spanning degree security, campus infrastructure, academic expansion, and international partnerships.

Speaking at a press conference, Wesseh said the university is entering an exciting new chapter, one defined by technology, quality, and expanded opportunity for Liberian students seeking tertiary education.

Tamper-Proof Degrees Coming June 15

One of the most striking announcements of the day was the introduction of QR Code-enabled degree certificates, set to be issued at the university on June 15, 2026, for the 21st graduating class.

“We are not saying it is impossible, but we are ensuring that we use the QR Code as a technology,” Wesseh told reporters, explaining that when scanned, the code will display the name of the verified degree holder. She added that photocopying the certificate will automatically disable the QR Code, making fraudulent reproduction far more difficult.

The move comes after the university conferred degrees on 612 graduates at both undergraduate and graduate levels during its 21st Commencement Convocation, held in March. Wesseh said the administration took deliberate care to verify names and faculty credentials before issuing any certificates. She expressed hope that UMU’s new degree security standard would serve as a model for other universities across Liberia.

Ganta Campus Gets Solar Upgrade

Infrastructure was another major theme of Thursday’s briefing. Wesseh drew special attention to the College of Health Science in Ganta, Nimba County, describing its Nursing program as one of the university’s most prized academic offerings. Following a successful accreditation and institutional review, the university’s Board approved a significant upgrade to the Ganta facility.

A 30-kilowatt solar installation is slated for completion before the end of 2026, which Wesseh said will deliver uninterrupted electricity and water supply around the clock. “The campus will have light and water 24 hours,” she confirmed, adding that improvements to technology, teaching materials, and faculty resources at the campus are also planned.

Agriculture College Set for Expansion

UMU’s Agriculture College is also in line for a major upgrade. Wesseh announced that the administration is looking at two key sites — the 72nd campus and the university’s future home at Doma Town — to expand and upgrade the college’s facilities.

She said the Agriculture College is expected to begin academic operations at Doma Town as early as the next academic year, while upgrades at the 72nd campus will help decongest the main facilities by relocating some colleges.

Two UMU Alumni Earn Harvard Degrees

In what she described as a moment of institutional pride, Wesseh announced that two distinguished Liberian graduates of UMU have gone on to earn degrees from Harvard University — one of the world’s most prestigious institutions.

“We want other Liberian students to see that what we offer here at the United Methodist University is a good stepping stone into the future,” she said, urging prospective students to view UMU as a credible launchpad for global academic success.

Indian Embassy, Alumni Bring Support

Wesseh also acknowledged the growing role of the UMU Alumni Association, which recently donated 100 chairs to the university and brokered a relationship with the Indian Embassy in Liberia. The Embassy has pledged to donate an additional 300 chairs and, through the Government of India, will provide short-term refresher courses for both students and faculty members.

New President Expected Before September

As the curtain comes down on the 2025/2026 academic year, Wesseh confirmed that midterm examinations have been completed, with final exams expected toward the end of June.

The university will reopen its doors in September 2026 to begin the 2026/2027 academic year. She noted that by the time the new academic year begins, a new substantive President is expected to be in place.

Prospective students eyeing admission are advised to sit the university’s entrance examination on June 27, 2026. “We look forward to opening the doors of the University, expanding our scope, and providing quality education to Liberian students in need of tertiary education,” Wesseh said in closing.