MONROVIA — The newly inducted President of the United Methodist University Alumni Association, Mr. Emmett P. Coker, has called on the Government of Liberia to extend equitable financial support to all private universities, declaring that The United Methodist University (UMU) has not received the level of subsidy afforded to other private institutions.
“No nation can achieve sustainable development without deliberate and sustained investment in education,” Coker said during his inaugural address on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church on Ashmun Street, Monrovia. “We call on the Government of Liberia to extend equitable support to all private universities — without preference or selectivity.”
According to Mr. Emmett P. Coker, government subsidies to private universities would lower tuition and expand access for students, help schools fund internet, e-libraries, faculty, and job-market curricula, and enable the government to produce more skilled graduates and advance national development without building new public universities.
“No nation can achieve sustainable development without deliberate and sustained investment in education.” He stated.
He added said UMU must adapt to a changing job market driven by Artificial Intelligence and technology. He pledged that the Alumni Association will work with the university to review and strengthen its curriculum to meet current demands.
The new President used the occasion to announce that the Alumni Association will “facilitate the provision of internet access on campus at a minimum and affordable maintenance cost” in the coming weeks. He also called for stronger e-learning platforms like Zoom and Google Meet, a functional e-library, and systems to track alumni globally to boost UMU’s reputation.
Coker reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to the 16-classroom facility under construction in Doma Town, Margibi County, to support UMU’s relocation. The project, initiated under former president Dioh Cox Podee, will be named in memory of Rev. Dr. Emmanuel F. Bailey. He urged alumni at home and abroad to “contribute meaningfully to this initiative.”
He also vowed to tackle administrative delays, citing “persistent challenges faced by graduates in obtaining transcripts and other essential academic documents.” “In this modern era, such delays are unacceptable,” Coker said. “Our graduates must not be denied opportunities due to administrative delay.”
Coker thanked members for their confidence and urged fellow elected officials to “rise above personal interests and egos,” adding, “The task ahead is great, but so too is our capacity to achieve.”
