- The Liberian Cooperative Standard Education School System (LICOSESS) has marked a significant milestone by graduating its first cohort of Associate of Arts (AA) degree students in Maryland County. Nineteen students received AA degrees, and forty others were awarded "C" Certificates during the institution's 8th graduation convocation--its first to include the AA Degree program.

The colorful ceremony at Pleebo City Hall brought together graduates, local authorities, institutional facilitators, and community members.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Benjamin Y. Wehye, President of LICOSESS, explained that after a thorough staff evaluation, the Board of Trustees and administration approved expanding the Associate of Arts Degree program. He noted that the decision was driven by the presence of highly qualified professors who could effectively administer the curriculum.

Dr. Wehye expressed satisfaction with the credentials assessment, which confirmed the institution had sufficient qualified personnel to run the AA Degree program in the Pleebo-Sodoken District. He described this achievement as the realization of a long-held dream, now benefiting over 59 students in Maryland County.

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Founded in 1995 after the Liberian Civil War, LICOSESS is a non-governmental institution dedicated to academically empowering in-service teachers from both government and non-government sectors, thereby advancing Liberia's educational system.

Dr. Wehye also voiced concern about the poor state of many school buildings across Maryland County. He highlighted the challenges teachers face, such as leaking roofs, cracked walls, broken desks, and overcrowded classrooms, all of which hinder effective education.

Several graduates praised LICOSESS's administration, saying the knowledge and skills they gained will help them positively impact their communities and contribute to national development.