The United Methodist University Alumni Association (UMUAA) has embarked on a transformative development initiative with the groundbreaking of a US$275,966 modern academic complex in Margibi County, an effort expected to significantly advance plans for the relocation of the United Methodist University (UMU) from its overcrowded Ashmun Street campus.

The landmark ceremony, held over the weekend, brought together alumni, university administration, church authorities, and local stakeholders, all united behind what many described as a defining step toward realizing a vision that had been discussed for more than two decades.

UMUAA President Dioh Cox Podee described the project as a historic milestone rooted in conversations dating back to the early 2000s, when many alumni were still students.

“Since we were students, we have been discussing the future home of the university,” Podee said. “Today, as graduates, we decided to take the first step to ensure the university’s transition to its future home.”

He credited former Alumni President Nkudu Uwe for initiating early mobilization efforts and pushing the idea into the Association’s agenda, which later received formal endorsement during a General Assembly session.

That endorsement led to preliminary development activities, including the construction of 16 classrooms, two offices, and four bathrooms aimed at setting the foundation for a permanent campus.

Project Overview

The newly launched modern structure will include:

• 16 standard classrooms

• Two administrative offices

• Four bathrooms

• Seating capacity of up to 60 students per classroom

Podee said the Association has already secured initial funding that will allow construction to reach the roofing stage. The full project is expected to take approximately two years, supported by fundraising events and stakeholder contributions.

“We have started already,” he emphasized. “We have received some contributions from stakeholders, and we are mobilizing more resources to complete the work.”

The alumni leadership believes the project strengthens the argument for relocating UMU to its 56-acre property in Margibi County, purchased during the administration of current UMU President Dr. Emmanuel F. Bailey.

Podee stressed that the Ashmun Street campus is now severely overcrowded, making relocation not only desirable but necessary.

“Constructing this building gives us more leverage to engage stakeholders,” he noted. “It provides sufficient reasons why the university should transition. The current campus cannot hold the capacity anymore.”

As part of its fundraising strategy, the Association announced that every graduate who contributes to the project will receive permanent recognition.

“Every graduate contributing to this project will have their name engraved on a stone attached to the building,” Podee revealed. “History will remember this, and future generations will know you contributed to the cause.”

UMU President Dr. Emmanuel F. Bailey expressed deep appreciation and confidence in the alumni’s capacity to deliver.

“I have great faith in this group, and I think you can move mountains,” Dr. Bailey said. “For this project, I’ve got your back. I am here to serve as your consultant and advisor. My doors are open.”

He challenged the alumni to aim for early completion, expressing hope that the dedication ceremony could take place within a year.

Bishop Samuel J. Quire, Jr., head of the United Methodist Church in Liberia, praised the alumni’s practical approach, drawing inspiration from similar university developments in Africa.

He recalled how Africa University in Zimbabwe began with modest facilities before developing into a renowned academic institution.

“This dream about building fabulous structures doesn’t work like that,” Bishop Quire noted. “If you want to put up a university, you start with small structures.”

He assured the Alumni Association of full support from both the church and the university board.

“With the president behind you, the board is also behind you,” he said. “We will do everything to make sure that this university will transition one of these days.”

The groundbreaking marks a renewed push to transform UMU’s long-term vision into reality. With land secured, leadership aligned, and alumni mobilization underway, stakeholders expressed optimism that the project will trigger additional development and investment.

The UMUAA is calling on all graduates and supporters to contribute financially and strategically to ensure the successful completion of what many believe will become a cornerstone of UMU’s future.

The United Methodist University (UMU) Debate Team has achieved a historic milestone for Liberia, winning the Best International University Award at the 2025 Rivers State University Debate Open held in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. 

The Liberian team, represented by three student debaters, advanced through ten highly competitive rounds to reach the grand finals, ultimately finishing as runners-up to the host, Rivers State University Debate Society.

The award recognizes UMU as the top-performing international university at the competition, marking a significant achievement for Liberian intellectualism and putting the country firmly on the West African debate map.

Team Captain Mouana Kalilu Coneh described the experience as both “rewarding” and “challenging,” emphasizing that the team’s success reflects years of hard work, sacrifice, and commitment.

“I feel honored, I feel happy and celebrated. Without the support from the students, the administration, and my family, we would not have achieved what we have,” Coneh said.

Coneh, who joined UMU in 2023, brought an impressive debate record to the university, having previously been named Most Valuable Debater at the Liberia National Debate Championship. Within months, he became a core member of UMU’s debate team, helping the university maintain its reputation as one of Liberia’s most competitive debate institutions.

UMU has a history of strong national performance. The team reached the finals of the 2023 Liberia International Debate Championship, falling to Stella Maris Polytechnic. In 2024, despite administrative challenges and limited funding, the students self-registered and won the National Inter-University Debate Championship.

“Winning is never strange to UMU,” Coneh remarked. “What would be strange is hearing that UMU lost.”

The team’s journey to Nigeria was marked by logistical hurdles. Traveling via Lagos, the students endured a 13-hour road trip to Port Harcourt without institutional escort, senior staff, or logistical support.

“We were new to the environment. Booking hotels, finding our way, everything was difficult. But we were teammates; we struggled together until we reached home,” Coneh recalled.

During the competition, the Liberian team adapted to a different debate culture, characterized by faster speaking speeds, deeper analysis, and more complex argumentation. Teammate Alie Bangurah said:

“Their pace is faster. Their analysis is deep. They present one argument with multiple mechanisms in a short time. We had no internet, no Nigerian SIM cards, and sometimes they struggled with our accent.”

Despite these challenges, the team advanced to the grand finals, demonstrating adaptability, teamwork, and intellectual rigor. Abu N. Dassen, another team member, described the experience as a moment of national pride:

“Representing Liberia on that stage is something many dream of. For us, this was more than a competition; it was a learning experience. And now, we can confidently say we are 100% solid.”

UMU’s success was quickly recognized upon their return to Liberia. During the NAFA World Fisheries Day debate in Monrovia, longstanding rivals reportedly declined to compete upon seeing UMU arrive—a gesture team members interpreted as a sign of respect.

“No Liberian team has done what we did in Nigeria,” Dassen said.

Coach Clifton Glee, a former UMU debate captain, attributed the team’s rise to consistent performance, discipline, and respect earned on the national stage. He also highlighted the inclusive nature of UMU’s debate culture, which allows any interested student to join and develop their skills.

“We don’t have bureaucracy. Anyone interested can join. We meet every Saturday on Front Street. The goal is to nurture as many young minds as possible,” Glee said.

Due to financial constraints, only three of the 14-member team could travel to Nigeria. Glee explained that his role was to prepare students to represent the university effectively.

While proud of their achievement, the students highlighted the need for stronger institutional backing, including consistent funding and logistical support.

“We thank UMU for giving us the chance. But there are issues the team faces, and we hope the administration will work with us to resolve them,” Bangurah said.

Winning the Best International University Award at a major Nigerian competition marks a milestone for Liberian debate and intellectualism.

“We are local champions and international runners-up. This is a huge win for Liberia,” Dassen said.

As UMU prepares for future regional and international competitions, team members remain confident in their ability to represent Liberia with excellence. “Wherever we go, we are always prepared,” Bangurah affirmed.

At the heart of our mission is a commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and inclusive growth. Our university is a place where curiosity meets opportunity—where students from diverse backgrounds come together to explore knowledge, challenge ideas, and build the skills needed to shape a better future. With world-class faculty, modern facilities, and a vibrant learning environment, we are dedicated to nurturing leaders who will make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

The United Methodist University (UMU) in Liberia stands as a testament to the enduring vision of the United Methodist Church to provide quality higher education in West Africa. The aspiration to establish such an institution dates back to the 1970s, driven by a commitment to offer advanced learning opportunities to the growing number of Liberian students. This vision materialized in 1980 with the launch of a junior college business program at the College of West Africa. However, the onset of the Liberian civil war delayed further development. Undeterred, the church reaffirmed its commitment in 1997, leading to the chartering of UMU by the Liberian Legislature on October 9, 1998. The university officially opened its doors in January 2000 under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Emmanuel F. Bailey. Today, UMU operates multiple campuses across Liberia, including in Monrovia, Gbarnga, Ganta, and Gbazon Town, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.