UMU to Graduate 611 Candidates-Announces 21stCommencement Convocation Activities
By H Matthew Turry
MONROVIA – The Administration of the United Methodist University (UMU) through its Acting President Amb Cllr. Medina A. Wesseh has announced that its 21st Commencement Convocation will take place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at the Liberty Christian Center in Johnsonville, Monrovia, where 611 Candidates will be conferred degrees in various disciplines, with Dr. Deborah Rose, president of Helping Africa Foundation, serving as the keynote speaker, and Liberia Foreign Minister Sarah Beysolow Nyanti will serve as the baccalaureate speaker at the occasion.
Addressing a news conference Thursday, March 19, 2026, UMU Acting President Cllr Medina A. Wesseh explained, “On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the UMU will be awarding degrees in various disciplines to students who have traveled with us during their academic journey; some for four years and others more than the regular four years.
According to Cllr Wesseh, the event will mark the 21st Commencement Convocation for the University.
“As we navigate the processes towards that day, the Interim Management Team (IMT) along with the UMU Administration, is pleased to inform the general public that a total number of 611students will be graduating from the UMU on that day,” she disclosed.
She noted that all necessary steps were taken, including the approval of the UMU Board of Directors under the chairmanship of Bishop Samuel J. Quire, Jr. who is also the Bishop of the United Methodist Church in Liberia.
She noted that the United Methodist University (UMU) in Liberia is a product of vision, perseverance, and a commitment to education rooted in the United Methodist faith.
“The leadership of UMU intends to keep it that way, so the following steps will be taken by the UMU during the 21st Commencement Convocation Activities. Attendance to these activities is by invitation only to graduates and limited family members due to space constraints, special invited guests, and other LAC/UMC and board members,” she said.
She further disclosed that during the 21st Commencement Convocation Activities, there will be no hawking or selling within the immediate parameters of both venues. “The UMU security committee will work with the LNP to limit access for the sale of flowers and other decorations.
Cllr Wesseh said as part of the 21st Commencement Convocation Activities, the Winifred J. Harley College of Health Sciences, situated in Ganta City, Nimba County, will kick off this weekend with its Oath and Honors Stripping and Capping program on March 21, 2026.
She added that the oath and honors are officially intended to admit graduates into the nursing profession, while the stripping and capping ceremony is intended to grant students official permission to practice with credible medical facilities. “These activities are key to our College of Health Sciences,” she said.
“We are also proud to highlight here that graduates of the UMU College of Health Sciences were the highest number of students who recently graduated from the Medical College of the University of Liberia,” she said.
Ambassador Wesseh further stated that while the 21st Commencement Convocation ends the academic year, it does not shutdown the operations of the UMU. Stating, “Registration for the Semester III for Academic Year 2025/2026 is in progress.
“According to our academic and admissions authorities, classes are expected to start on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, and this semester will align the UMU with the academic schedule of all other universities in Liberia,” she said.
Providing historical background, the UMU Acting President Amb Wesseh said the United Methodist University in Liberia has been in the vanguard of providing quality education to the people of Liberia since its establishment in the year 2000.
According to her, for twenty-six years and still counting, the UMU has been able to provide affordable and accessible education to thousands of students across the country with its strong emphasis on ethics, leadership, and service to the nation and people.
“Over the years, the university continues to play a transformative and impactful role in shaping Liberia’s future through its diverse academic programs and community engagement through commitment to spiritual growth and leadership,” she noted.
The acting president, Cllr. Wesseh, concluded by extending appreciation to the Chairman of the UMU Board of Director, Bishop Samuel J. Quire, members of the Interim Management Team (IMT), the Administration of the UMU, Staff, and Students for the opportunity to serve in the academic space.
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