Former Education Minister Heads Cuttington University

An interim President of the Cuttington University has been named by its Board of Trustees. She is Dr. Evelyn Kandakai – former Minister of Education and Vice President of the United Methodist University in Monrovia.

But the Vice President of the Cuttington Graduate School in Monrovia, Dr. Fredrick F. Gbegba – a former President of the University of Liberia, will handle the affairs of Cuttington for period of one month in October, as Dr, Kandakai prepares to officially take over as Interim President from November to August 2016.

Making the disclosure Tuesday, September 8, 2015 on the main campus of the university in Suakoko, Bong County, Cuttington’s Board of Trustees Chairman Bishop Jonathan B.B. Hart said Dr. Kandakai will serve as Interim President of the university until the selection of a new President of Cuttington University by a search committee.

Dr. Henrique Flomo Tokpa , who departs on September 30, 2015, resigned since 2014, but was asked by the university board to still on until September 30. Dr. Tokpa served Cuttington for 28 years – 13 of which he was President.

His years at the university occasioned its elevation from a college to a full-fledge university, with both Master’s, Associate Degree and other Professional Programs in Suakoko, Bong County and Monrovia, as well as Margibi County. Improvements in basic social services for a conducive learning environment for students, academic and general staff are the hull-mark of his administration for the last 13-years.

He participated in the December 20, 2014 Special Senatorial Election in Bong County won by incumbent Senator Jewel Howard-Taylor. But her victory became questionable when the Supreme Court of Liberia ruled for a re-run against the backdrop that her election was marred by fraud and other electoral mal-practices in three voting places in District Number Seven.

But in the interest of peace and reconciliation and as a show of political maturity following various interventions in and outside Bong County, Dr. Henrique Flomo Tokpa waved his political right to participate in the re-run already scheduled by the National Elections Commission or NEC for September 29.

Others who participated in the December 20 Special Election in the county, have also decided not to participate, but Senator Taylor’s office has said she would.

By Papa Morris from Bong County – Edited by George Barpeen