The University of Liberia (UL) and the Nigerian-based International Academy for Gender and Peace (IAGP) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) following a two-day West Africa Regional Conference on mainstreaming gender in the security sector in Africa.
UL Vice President for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Moses Moroe Zinnah signed on behalf of the University, while IAGP President Prof. Frederick McFadden Terhemba Tyoor signed on behalf of his institution.
The signing ceremony was held Friday, March 31, 2023, in the Auditorium of the University of Liberia Capitol Hill campus, concluding the conference with regional and national security and government officials, academic administrators, faculty, staff and students, and members of the public, among others.
UL Vice President for Institutional Development and Planning, and Chairperson of the Conference Planning Committee, Associate Prof. Weade Kobbah-Boley, witnessed the signing.
The purpose of the MoU is to develop academic and educational cooperation based on equality and reciprocity and to promote sustainable partnership and mutual understanding between UL and IAGP.
UL and IAGP aim to undertake cooperation in multiple areas. They may include but are not restricted to running programs for Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Gender and Security Studies collaboratively.
The two institutions may engage in joint research activities: joint assessment and appointment of relevant staff on the faculty of their collaborative programs.
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They may organize and participate in seminars, symposia, short-term academic programs, and academic meetings. Additionally, they may exchange research and educational materials, publications, and academic information.
They may give each other technical assistance and engage in other academic activities that may be considered beneficial to both institutions from time to time.
Speaking during the signing, UL Vice President Prof. Dr. Moses Moroe Zinnah said UL President Prof. Dr. Julius J.S. Nelson, Jr., and the University Administration remain committed to exploring demand-driven academic programs.
"If you listened over the last two days, what we discussed is an emerging area of interest. How to integrate both men and women as partners to ensure security in our sub-region, of course globally," said Dr. Zinnah.
For his part, IAGP President Prof. Frederick McFadden Terhemba Tyoor said he was looking forward to formidable exploits in the area, applauding the progression of the program between UL and IAGP.
"We are here to formalize this relationship which automatically means that the Academy is the University of Liberia; the University of Liberia is the Academy, and therefore, a lot of joint academic activities will begin from today," said Prof. Tyoor.
