By Lloydson G.Flomo
MONROVIA, Oct. 21 (LINA)-The Chairman of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Liberia, Dr. Melvin M. Kollie has called for renewed commitment to academic excellence, urging students to prioritize education, intellectual development, and scientific innovation over excessive engagement in entertainment and social activities.
Dr. Kollie made the call in a statement on his official page on Saturday October 17,2026, reflecting on what he described as a decline in the culture of academic competition and intellectual curiosity among Liberian students compared with the early 2000s.
According to him, between 2000 and 2006, students frequently gathered to study, participate in quizzing competitions, and exchange knowledge, demonstrating a strong commitment to academic achievements.
He recalled that students traveled from one location to another to acquire knowledge, while school-based intellectual activities encouraged healthy competition, critical thinking, and academic excellence.
He however, expressed concern that some young people today appear to be giving greater attention to drinking competitions, smoking, frequent clubbing, and beauty pageants than to academic pursuits adding that his recent visits to several high schools in Liberia left him concerned about the level of interest in education among some students.
The university official emphasized that Liberia’s ability to develop and compete in the modern world depends significantly on the country’s investment in education, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
He called on stakeholders to inspire young people to embrace knowledge, innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving as essential tools for national development stressing that recreational activities should not overshadow education or undermine students’ commitment to learning.
“Entertainment has its place, but it should not overshadow education,” he stated, emphasizing that Liberia cannot build a prosperous future without investing in the intellectual development of its young people”, Dr.Kollie emphasized.
He further called for renewed efforts to make academic achievement attractive to students, encouraging schools, parents, and other stakeholders to promote intellectual engagement and create opportunities for healthy academic competition.
Dr. Kollie’s remarks have raised broader questions about the role of schools, families, policymakers, and young people themselves in strengthening Liberia’s educational culture and preparing the next generation for national development.
His call for Liberia to make academic excellence fashionable again highlights the importance of balancing extracurricular activities with a sustained commitment to learning, innovation, and educational achievement.