African Students Leadership Forum Opens with Powerful Calls for Patriotism, Discipline, and Ethical Leadership

Paynesville, Liberia: Leaders from across Liberia’s academic and youth communities convened in Paynesville as the African Students Leadership Forum (ASLF) kicked off its inaugural edition, bringing together student representatives from all fifteen counties. The two-day platform, hosted at Best Brains University, brought together university and high school students for in-depth conversations on governance, ethics, patriotism, and leadership.

The ASLF, founded to cultivate Africa’s next generation of ethical and visionary leaders, aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, focusing on empowering students to tackle issues such as climate change, youth unemployment, political instability, and economic transformation.

 Rev. Dr. J. Luther Tarpeh, president of the African Students Leadership Forum and founder/president of Best Brains University.

The forum envisions building a pipeline of responsible, innovative young leaders committed to sustainable development.

The event was hosted under the leadership of Rev. Dr. J. Luther Tarpeh, president of the African Students Leadership Forum and founder/president of Best Brains University.

President Boakai Urges Youth to “Put Liberia First” “Liberia is the only country we have.”

On Monday, November 24, 2025, President Joseph N. Boakai delivered the keynote address, urging hundreds of young leaders to embrace patriotism, unity, and moral responsibility.

Speaking “as a father would speak to his children,” Boakai said the students’ presence at the forum signaled the nation’s future leadership. He disclosed that he adjusted his travel schedule to attend, emphasizing the importance he placed on the occasion.

The President called on students to rise above political divisions and personal ambitions.

“Liberia is the only country we have. Put Liberia above every personal interest and every political interest.”

Citing Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, he warned that democracy demands responsibility, not destructive criticism, and condemned the glorification of leaders who “steal the future of the young.”

President Boakai speaking at the opening of the African Students Leadership Forum held at Best Brains University 

President Boakai encouraged the students to use their voices constructively:

“Education remains the strongest tool for shaping Liberia’s future. You are the leaders who will run public offices, institutions, and the nation itself.”

He reminded the audience of the national creed, “In union strong, success is sure,” calling for unity across tribes, counties, and generations. Boakai concluded by sharing personal lessons rooted in sacrifice, humility, and service, not titles.

On the second day, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf took the stage with a powerful message on tough leadership decisions, referencing one of her most controversial policies, the mandatory cremation of Ebola victims.

former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf 

Sirleaf argued that the decision, though heavily criticized, prevented Liberia from experiencing the catastrophic death toll international health agencies once projected.

“You all know how people were dying. Everyone remembers the reports predicting that Liberia could lose a million people.”

She explained that flawed burial practices were accelerating transmission, leaving her administration with no alternative.

Despite intense backlash from communities, religious authorities, and traditional leaders, Sirleaf maintained that saving lives required unpopular action.

“Was I to give in to all that? No. Because if we had not ordered cremation, many more Liberians would have died.”

She acknowledged that mistakes were made during her tenure and admitted that some officials strayed from the administration’s values, leading to dismissals.

Sirleaf told the students that leadership must be grounded in moral courage:

“Leadership is not a popularity contest. Stand for what is right, even if the public does not applaud you.”

Sirleaf Outlines Ten Pillars for Liberia’s Next Generation beyond the Ebola reflections, Sirleaf delivered an inspirational message that outlined ten pillars for the young generation of leaders:

1.      Commitment to home

          2.      Education and continuous learning

          3.      Knowledge of Liberia’s history

          4.      Respect

          5.      Discipline

          6.      Wise friendships

          7.      Community service

          8.      Moral courage

          9.      Positive engagement

          10.    Strong faith

Education, she said, is the “passport to opportunity,” and knowing Liberia’s history gives the young “a proud walk.”

Sirleaf also warned about a decline in respect and discipline among youth, urging them to build good habits, choose positive peers, and contribute to community well-being.

She highlighted the threat of drugs, which she described as “killing communities and destroying the country.”

Faith, she told them, should remain their foundation: “Let your faith guide your decisions. Let humility be your strength.”

Sirleaf concluded with a blessing, expressing hope that the students would become leaders others aspire to emulate.

A Forum of National Significance

The first African Students Leadership Forum gathered students, academics, youth advocates, and policymakers to reflect on national identity, ethics, and the future of leadership in Liberia.

Held at Best Brains University, Paynesville, the forum represented one of the largest student leadership gatherings in recent years, marking a milestone in the country’s youth development landscape.

With Liberia’s two living presidents, Boakai and Sirleaf, issuing powerful calls to action, the forum has already sparked renewed national conversations about patriotism, accountability, and the essential role of young people in building the nation’s future.

In addition, the Forum received extensive media coverage from two distinguished Liberian journalists who documented the proceedings throughout the event. They were Daniel Theophilus Cole, Executive Mansion Reporter for Kool 91.9 FM/TV/Knewsonline, and J.H. Webster Clayeh, Senior Executive Mansion Correspondent for FrontPage Africa.

Daniel Theophilus Cole, recognized as one of Liberia’s leading young journalists, serves as a senior reporter at Kool 91.9 FM/TV/Knewsonline. He is known for his strong interest in human-interest stories, politics, the economy, and agriculture. Cole’s commitment to journalism extends beyond personal ambition, reflecting a deep passion for storytelling and national development.

J.H. Webster Clayeh, a seasoned Liberian journalist, is widely respected for his comprehensive and impactful reporting. As Senior Executive Mansion Correspondent at FrontPage Africa, Clayeh has built a reputation for covering critical national issues ranging from politics and education to health, human rights, environmental concerns, and broader social development.

Their presence and reporting added professional visibility to the Forum and helped amplify its message to audiences across Liberia and beyond.

The African Students Leadership Forum also extends profound appreciation to everyone whose dedication and support contributed to the remarkable success of this year’s event. The statement highlights that the collective involvement of partners, organizers, facilitators, participants, and vision bearers significantly strengthened the quality and impact of the forum.

The write-up acknowledges the Office of the United Nations (UN) in Liberia for its meaningful support, commending the organization for believing in the Forum’s vision and investing in the growth and development of emerging African leaders. This contribution, it notes, played a vital role in making the gathering fruitful and productive.

The Forum also recognized the tireless efforts of its organizing team, emphasizing the careful planning, coordination, and long hours devoted to ensuring a smooth and successful event. Their dedication behind the scenes was described as essential to the overall execution of the forum.

Facilitators were applauded for offering clarity, expertise, and impactful insights throughout the sessions. The website’s write-up highlights that their willingness to share knowledge and guide participants enriched the entire experience.

Participants were celebrated for their enthusiasm, active engagement, and openness to learn. Their contributions and interactions were said to have strengthened the forum’s vision for a more united Liberia and a progressive Africa.

Special appreciation was extended to the vision bearer, Rev. Dr. J. Luther Tarpeh, whose leadership, guidance, and unwavering commitment continue to drive the mission of the African Students Leadership Forum. His dedication to nurturing young leaders and fostering positive transformation was praised as the foundation of the Forum’s progress.