MONROVIA — The Liberian government has pledged continued partnership with Gonet Academy, praising the institution's expanding role in strengthening the country's professional workforce as more than 900 participants graduated from its 13th cohort on Friday.
Education Minister Dr. Jarso M. Jallah, speaking at the ceremony, described the academy as a strategic partner in developing skilled, ethical and adaptable professionals for Liberia's public, private and civil society sectors.
She said the scale of the graduation underscored the growing importance of nontraditional professional training in addressing leadership and capacity gaps across institutions.
Leadership Beyond Formal Education
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Delivering the keynote address, Jallah said Liberia's development challenges require leaders who can manage systems, make sound decisions and translate knowledge into effective service.
"These challenges are not addressed by formal schooling alone," she said. "They require continuous learning, discipline and leadership development. Institutions like Gonet Academy are filling that gap."
She noted that graduating more than 900 professionals from a single cohort reflects both the academy's reach and its relevance to national human capital priorities.
A Growing National Footprint
The graduation, held Feb. 7 in Monrovia, brought together graduates from across Liberia's 15 counties, alongside families, educators, partners and government officials.
In total, Cohort 13 produced 913 graduates, including:
- 731 Foundation Certificate recipients
- 131 Comprehensive Professional Program graduates
- 51 Professional Diploma holders
Women made up more than 56 percent of the graduating class.
Government Pledges Continued Engagement
Addressing the graduates, Jallah urged them to see themselves as agents of institutional reform and national renewal, while reaffirming the Ministry of Education's commitment to collaboration with the academy.
"This does not end here," she said. "The work begins in your institutions, communities and professions."
Five Years of Growth and Accreditation
Gonet Academy Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer Mohammed Kerkulah described the graduation as a milestone marking nearly five years of institutional growth.
Founded in February 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kerkulah said the academy was created in response to widening skills gaps and limited access to professional development opportunities.
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"What we identified was not a lack of potential, but a lack of access and structure," he said.
Kerkulah said the academy is fully registered and accredited, and has trained more than 5,000 young people and professionals since its founding, with over 4,000 graduates completing programs nationwide.
Focus on Skills, Ethics and Inclusion
He said the institution's programs emphasize leadership ethics, accountability, teamwork and practical skills aligned with labor-market needs, noting that most participants are working professionals seeking career advancement and institutional impact.
"Our goal is to produce professionals who are competent, ethical and service-oriented," Kerkulah said.
Looking Ahead
Outlining plans for 2026 to 2031, Kerkulah said the academy will expand access beyond Monrovia, strengthen mentorship and career placement support, and align training more closely with national development priorities.
He urged graduates to use their skills to strengthen institutions and empower others.
"Impact is not measured by how far you go alone," he said, "but by how many you lift along the way."
