By D. Franklin Doloquee | Nimba County Correspondent
IPNEWS-Yekepa, Nimba County: The ArcelorMittal Liberia School System in Yekepa, Nimba County, over the weekend held its 18th Graduation and Honoring Ceremony, celebrating the outstanding achievements of 27 students who passed the national public examinations with high marks.
Out of 33 students who sat the exams, 27 emerged with exceptional results, positioning the school and by extension Nimba County among the top-performing institutions in the region. The ceremony, held at ABC university auditorium in Yekepa, brought together parents, educators, community leaders, and representatives of ArcelorMittal Liberia executives to celebrate the graduates’ hard work and perseverance.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Jesse Noah Mongrue, President of Nimba County University, congratulated the graduates and urged them to pursue higher education and technical skills training to meet the demands of the modern workforce.
“The world today is driven by knowledge, innovation, and technical skills,” Dr. Mongrue said. “Now that you are armed with one of the most important tools—education—you must remember that it is not the diploma itself that defines your success, but what you do with the knowledge you have gained. Your future is in your own hands.”
Dr. Mongrue encouraged the graduates to take advantage of the growing number of universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions now available in Nimba County and across Liberia.
“In the past, students had to travel long distances to pursue higher learning,” he noted. “Today, opportunities are right here in Yekepa and other parts of the county. Do not be complacent—see this as just the beginning of your journey toward excellence.”
He also reminded students of their civic and moral responsibility to contribute to the nation’s development, emphasizing that education should be a force for positive change.
“Our country faces challenges—from environmental degradation to poverty and unemployment,” Dr. Mongrue stated. “Liberia needs your innovation, integrity, and commitment. You must play your part in transforming our society for the good of future generations.”
In his remarks, Mr. Juwle E. Kumeh, Principal of the ArcelorMittal Liberia School System, expressed pride in the graduates’ performance and reaffirmed his team’s dedication to maintaining academic excellence.
“We are proud of what our students have accomplished,” Principal Kumeh said. “This achievement is the result of teamwork—our dedicated teachers, supportive parents, and hardworking students. We will continue to nurture the minds of Liberia’s future leaders.”
Representing the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), Mr. Miracle Tarley commended both the administration and ArcelorMittal Liberia for their continued investment in education.
He appealed to the company to provide additional logistical support, including a school bus, to ease transportation challenges faced by students.
“Many of our children walk long distances to get to school,” Mr. Tarley said. “A school bus would make a big difference and further demonstrate the company’s commitment to the welfare of our students.”
The event was filled with moments of pride and emotion as graduates received their diplomas amid cheers from parents and community members. Several students were recognized for academic excellence, leadership, and community service.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Miss Comfort Y. Dolo, the valedictorian, thanked ArcelorMittal Liberia, the teachers, and her parents for their unwavering support.
“Today is not the end, but a new beginning,” she said. “We will go forth with confidence, knowing that we have been well prepared to face the challenges ahead.”
The ceremony concluded with cultural performances and the presentation of certificates of honor to outstanding staff members for their dedication and service.
As ArcelorMittal Liberia continues to expand its operations in Nimba County, the company’s contribution to education through its school system remains one of its most impactful community development initiatives, helping to shape a new generation of educated, skilled, and visionary young Liberians.
