Monrovia — The President of the newly established William V. S. Tubman University in Harper, Maryland County, Dr. Elizabeth Davis-Russell, was on Saturday, February 27, inducted into office at a well-attended convocation ceremony attended by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and other senior Government officials.

In a speech marking the convocation, the President, who is also Visitor of the University, congratulated Dr. Davis-Russell for responding to the national call to return home and contribute to the rebuilding process.

The President described the opening of the William V. S. Tubman University on September 14, 2009, as a fulfillment of the educational sub-pillar of the "Lift Liberia" Poverty Reduction Strategy, which called for the establishment of at least one new institution of higher learning outside of Monrovia by September 2009.

The President lauded Dr. Davis-Russell and her staff for their determination and perseverance in achieving the goal to open the doors of the University as promised.

She challenged the new administration of Tubman University to work toward ensuring that the institution serves as a regional magnet for young people in the southeast and beyond, offering degrees in a host of disciplines "so that students can be assured of getting the best education Liberia has to offer."

The Visitor praised the academic program of the University, which she noted is in line with the country's transformation. Tubman University is offering courses in Health Sciences, Management, Technology, Agriculture and Food Sciences and Education.

In her inaugural address, Tubman University's new President, Dr. Davis-Russell, thanked the Liberian President for her preferment. She assured the Liberian leader that her administration will work to ensure that the institution meets its full potential. Dr. Davis-Russell promised to operate a transparent and accountable administration that will be responsive to the academic pursuit of students.

Saturday's ceremonies also included the dedication of the Tubman University Campus a tour of the campus facilities, and a fundraiser.

The President arrived in Harper on Saturday, February 27, to an enthusiastic welcome by a cross-section of citizens of Maryland County, who sang and performed traditional dances in appreciation of the President's visit, which marked the first stop-over of a southeastern tour that includes River Gee and Grand Gedeh Counties, where a Cabinet Retreat will be held.

The President on Saturday led other senior cabinet officials to the Liberian-Ivorian border town of Kablaken, dedicating the newly rehabilitated Harper-Kablaken road.

The Liberian leader departed Harper for River Gee County on Sunday morning, Feb. 28.

Meanwhile, ground-breaking and dedicatory ceremonies have taken place in Maryland and River Gee Counties of several development projects.

President Johnson Sirleaf on Sunday broke ground for the construction of the Manolu Public School, in Maryland County, and a number of projects funded by the African Development Bank in the southeast region, in keeping with an agreement with the Liberian Government.

Other projects dedicated by the President in Kanweaken included a district administrative building in Kanweaken City; the Gbeapo-Kanweaken General Market; a sub-police station; and the Gbeapo- Geeken Elementary School in Dweken, River Gee County.

The dedicated schools were constructed by the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE), with funding provided by the Liberia Education Trust (LET), a private initiative launched by President Johnson Sirleaf four years ago to raise funds to train teachers, construct schools throughout the country, and provide scholarships to deserving students, particularly girls.

The President arrived in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, late Monday night, March 1, on the latest leg of her southeastern counties tour. En route to Zwedru, the Liberian leader visited the Putu Mining Site, located midway between River Gee and Grand Gedeh Counties, where mining operations are being concluded.

Residents of the area, in a statement, welcomed the plans by Government to resume mining activities in the area. They hoped the process would get under way soon to help provide employment opportunities to thousands of unemployed youths in the area, particularly residents of Putu Konobo Statutory District #3.

The President and Cabinet convene Tuesday in a Retreat session. This will follow a Town Hall meeting with the citizens of Grand Gedeh County. Later on Tuesday, the Liberian leader will convene a meeting of chiefs, traditional leaders, market women, county officials and the Nimba and Mandingo communities as well as other stakeholders.