Monrovia — President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says government will continue to institute measures to reactive the educational system in the country following years of civil conflict.

According to an Executive Mansion release, the President made the commitment Monday when she addressed the commencement convocation of the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary, where sixteen students were awarded Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Theology and Religious Education.

The Liberian leader urged private and religious institutions to complement government's efforts towards providing sound and quality education. The President challenged the graduates to remain patient in their endeavors to ensure a prosperous future.

She paid tribute to the Baptist Church for its pioneering role in the country, emphasizing that the cornerstone of the Liberian state evolved around Christianity, a factor which has contributed in building a strong link between the state and the church.

The Liberian leader also used the occasion to appeal to students to avoid cheating at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams to help enhance and strengthen the educational system of the country.

Delivering the 27th convocation, the President highlighted measures now in progress to improve the educational system of the country and provide more opportunities for Liberians. President Johnson Sirleaf, among other measures, mentioned availability of Free and Compulsory Primary Education, the Young Adult Primary Education, the Adult Literacy Program, as efforts by government to expand educational opportunities for all Liberians. The measures, the President noted, have witnessed the increase in student enrollment in primary education and the rehabilitation of rural training institutions as well as secondary and tertiary institutions.

Speaking earlier, the President Emeritus of the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary, Rev. Moses A. Roulhac Jr., paid tribute to former President William R. Tolbert Jr. and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as the only sitting Liberian Presidents to have participated in the Baptist Seminary convocation exercises.

The Seminary was established in 1976 to provide religious education for Liberians and nationals from other countries.