MAF supports Tubman University's push to educate students from isolated communities in south-eastern Liberia.
Story by Rachel Gwole-George
Tubman University offers a pathway for young people in regional Liberia to follow their dreams and pursue high-flying careers.
But the campus in Harper, in the south-east of the nation, is a long, difficult road journey from the capital Monrovia. Regular MAF flights, taking just 90 minutes, allow easy access for senior staff and smooth delivery of essential educational supplies.
Dr Olu Q Menjay, President of William V.S. Tubman University, said aviation was important to the successful running of courses and exams.
“MAF is a good friend of Tubman University," he said. "We have road connectivity issues in the past, and MAF has been very helpful transporting people as well as essential items to our team.
“We are very grateful for this wonderful experience and the level of support that we receive, especially here in the southeastern region."
Tubman University was founded in 1978, initially as a college of technology. It was disrupted by Liberia’s civil war through the 1990s and reopened as a university in 2009.
In a push to prepare Liberian students for the careers of the future, the main courses focus on business administration, science, technology and engineering.
The number of enrolments has pushed the administration to work harder to add more buildings to provide space for students from neighbouring areas.
“We're attracting students from all over the country. Our enrolment is swelling up. We need to invest in more infrastructure,” said Dr Menjay.
“Our students are doing well. Our students are improving. We try to be a relevant institution here in Liberia. When you see your students succeeding, it is great."
Aside from transporting passengers, MAF also ensures the timely delivery of critical university materials.
“Receiving school supplies, graduation items that are time-sensitive, documentation that needs to go to Monrovia on time, MAF has been very useful,” said Dr Menjay.
“The atmosphere on the MAF flight was very, very friendly. The pilot was very professional, very communicative in explaining the safety regulations and what to do when you're on the flight in case of emergency.
Receiving school supplies, graduation items that are time-sensitive, documentation that needs to go to Monrovia on time, MAF has been very useful.
“I honestly believe that the MAF service here is an investment in hope for Liberia and especially the people in far-reach places. we are grateful for what they continue to do.”
The president was encouraged by the success of a student who went on to further study in South Africa.
“I received a message that one of our students who graduated from the university and had the opportunity to study at the University of Johannesburg, just got a master's in construction management," he said.
“The progress has been visible as it relates to investing in people and trying to promote academic excellence and student success. The greatest compensation we receive is when you see lives being radically changed.”
Dr Menjay said MAF’s impact was vital to the community.
“To those who donate to MAF, we want to say thank you," he added. "Your pilots are great people and the maintenance record on your flight is super. I always tell people that is what you need to use if you want to come to Harper quickly.”