University of South Africa collaborates with the University of Liberia

Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Puleng LenkaBula, signed on behalf of Unisa, while the President of the University of Liberia, Dr Julius Nelson Jr, signed on behalf of his institution.

LenkaBula warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and thanked them for braving the cold weather to attend the occasion. She commented on the strong historical bond between the two nations, both of whom are known in the history of liberation movements.

“We are truly appreciative that we are building on the footprints of liberation leaders who saw to it that Africa, its people and its knowledge systems continue to thrive,” she remarked. She also said that the university is honoured to sign the agreement as the basis of collaborations, adding the African proverb which states that if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.

Continued LenkaBula: “We, as Unisa, believe that going together will be the best experience that will help our continent. We welcome you to walk with us in our academic endeavours on teaching and learning, knowledge sharing, student exchanges, research, innovation, and engaged scholarship.”

“It is also interesting to note that both our universities carry the name of our respective countries,” she added. “This implies that we have no option but to pivot the intellectual agenda and Africa’s knowledge systems and its civilisation.”

LenkaBula thanked the South African ambassador to Liberia, Prof Iqbal Jhazbhay, whom she described as a former colleague, and a friend of the university, for playing an essential role in ensuring that Unisa and the University of Liberia reconnect as institutions. “We are grateful that we have people like you who are committed to advancing the connectedness of the knowledge arenas,” she stated.

“Your visit comes at a very significant moment at Unisa where we recently celebrated the 150th anniversary of the university’s establishment,” continued LenkaBula. “The celebrations will continue throughout the year, and we are glad to have you as our partner,” she said, adding that the delegation from the University of Liberia is welcome to join in on the ongoing celebratory activities, in reclaiming Africa’s intellectual futures.


Embracing the university’s ten catalytic niche areas
LenkaBula, in mentioning the university’s ten catalytic niche areas, said she hopes that the academic exchange with the University of Liberia will be translated into work that projects research and innovation in the areas in which the continent requires strength, so that there will be more experts in those areas from both universities.

“It is prudent that we support each other in pursuit of progress and in building sustainable livelihoods,” concluded LenkaBula. She remarked on her vision of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, stating that to successfully realise the Africa that we want, universities must join hands and make Africa a better place.


Long live Unisa and the University of Liberia’s partnership
“Let me give you greetings of shalom, of peace,” said Nelson Jr in his message. He said life is a process between the past, present and the future, and this present moment gave birth to the future through this partnership.

“Congratulations to Unisa on joining us,” he said. “Both our institutions will explore opportunities in research and publications, and student and staff exchanges.”

Nelson Jr also congratulated the university on its 150 years of academic excellence, and remarked: “Let us go together in unison. Long live Unisa and the University of Liberia’s partnership.”

In his closing remarks which concluded the signing, Prof Les Labuschagne, Executive Director: Research, Innovation and Commercialisation, thanked the University of Liberia for its enthusiasm and dedication in partnering with Unisa. “By working hand-in-hand,” he said, “we will advance broad African collaborations and internationalisations that will fuel the growth of development of higher education across the continent.”