Monrovia — The University of Liberia has named Cllr. Dr Niveda Cindy Ricks-Onuoha was appointed Dean of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, making her the first woman to occupy the position since the institution's founding in 1951, a milestone appointment that shatters a 74-year tradition.
The announcement, made by UL President Dr. Layli Maparyan, was met with widespread praise from advocates of gender equality, education reform, and the legal community.
The appointment marks a historic shift in Liberia's male-dominated legal education system and aligns with broader efforts to elevate women into leadership across key national institutions.
"I feel an extra bit of pride because, for me, I want to serve as a symbol that women can become anything they desire to become," said Dr. Ricks-Onuoha in her acceptance remarks.
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A Trailblazer in the Making
With more than 22 years of service at the Law School, Dr Ricks-Onuoha brings deep institutional knowledge and legal expertise to the role. She holds a doctorate in international law from Ukraine and has worked extensively in academia and legal practice, including serving as a lawyer with the United Nations Mission in Liberia, UNMIL.
"I am following in the footsteps of Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf," the new Dean stated. "She was the first female President. I'm the first female Dean. I'm also the first Liberian female with a PhD in law."
Her appointment, she emphasized, is the result of hard work, discipline, and service.
"I served under several Deans, David Jallah, Negbalee Warner, Jallah Barbu. I worked. I served. Today, I have become Dean not through lobbying but by merit," she said.
President Maparyan praised the Dean's pragmatism, intellect, and commitment to gender equity.
She described her as a pragmatist, a visionary, and a womanist with a strong voice and determination.
She now gains a seat at the high table of university decision-making.
In her new role, Dr. Ricks-Onuoha has been tasked with restoring the Law School to its pre-war status as one of Africa's most respected legal institutions.
"I want the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law to be mentioned among world universities. When people talk about reputable African law schools, I want to hear our name on that list," she said.
As part of her mandate, Dean Ricks-Onuoha will also oversee efforts to improve faculty development, encourage research, and promote continuing legal education for staff members. UL President Maparyan has emphasized the importance of institutional rigor, accountability, and innovation under the new leadership.
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The appointment comes amid a renewed push for gender inclusion in higher education, an issue President Maparyan has placed at the center of her administration's agenda.
In a country where women's representation in senior legal, academic, and political roles remains limited, Ricks-Onuoha's appointment stands as a powerful symbol of possibility. Her message to aspiring women and to the men who must now make room was clear: "Men, look out for us. We are coming."
As Liberia's premier legal education institution turns a new page, many within the legal and academic community are watching to see how the Law School under Ricks-Onuoha's leadership will shape the next generation of jurists, judges, and legal thinkers.
