Gonet Academy Urges 14th Cohort Graduates to Uphold Ethical Leadership

Monrovia, Liberia: More than 863 Liberians have graduated from Gonet Academy’s 14th Cohort Professional Development Program, with government officials and education leaders urging the graduates to use their knowledge, integrity and leadership to contribute to national development.

The graduation ceremony, held in Monrovia over the weekend, brought together government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, parents and graduates from across the country to celebrate the achievements of professionals who completed various certificate, comprehensive and diploma programs.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Gbeme Horace-Kollie, described the graduation as more than the completion of an academic program, saying it represents the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning, service and nation-building.

She praised Gonet Academy for expanding access to professional education, particularly for women, noting that the institution’s work aligns with the Government of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development by strengthening human capacity through education, skills development and women’s empowerment.

“The future of Liberia will be built by graduates like you—in businesses, classrooms, technology hubs, research institutions, farms and communities across our nation,” the Minister told the graduates.

She challenged them to pursue excellence in every aspect of their professional lives, emphasizing that while certificates and diplomas may create opportunities, integrity and character are what sustain long-term success.

“Let excellence become your personal signature,” she urged, encouraging the graduates to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and ethical leadership while using their skills to create opportunities for others.

Speaking earlier, Gonet Academy Founder and Executive Director Mohammed Kerkulah said the institution was established on the belief that Liberia possesses enormous talent, but that talent must be equipped with practical knowledge and professional skills to compete in today’s rapidly changing global economy.

He noted that technological advancement, artificial intelligence and increasing global competition require a workforce capable of driving innovation and sustainable national development.

According to Kerkulah, the academy enrolled 1,112 learners during its 14th cohort, making it the second-largest enrollment in the institution’s history. The participants represented all fifteen counties of Liberia through both physical and online learning platforms.

He disclosed that women accounted for 59.4 percent of enrollment and recorded the highest completion rate, describing the achievement as evidence of women’s growing leadership and determination to excel professionally.

Of the total enrollment, 863 participants successfully graduated, including 723 recipients of foundational professional certificates, 126 graduates of comprehensive professional programs and 14 graduates who earned professional diplomas.

Kerkulah encouraged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning, maintain high ethical standards and become creators of opportunities through entrepreneurship, innovation and community service.

“Our mission has never been merely to issue certificates or diplomas,” he said. “Our mission is to transform people, communities, institutions and ultimately our nation.”

Representing the graduating class, Mashamie Sheriff, who completed a three-month Project Management program, described her graduation as a significant milestone that will strengthen her professional career.

Sheriff encouraged young Liberians not to wait for opportunities but to actively pursue professional development through institutions like Gonet Academy.

“Gonet doesn’t only teach you what you already know; it gives you practical knowledge and exposes you to professionals who can help build your network,” she said.

She also reflected on the challenges of balancing the professional program with her studies at the University of Liberia, saying determination and effective time management enabled her to complete both successfully.

“There will always be challenges, but it’s up to you to bridge the gap between those challenges and what you want to achieve,” Sheriff said.

The ceremony concluded with graduates being urged to continue investing in their education, uphold integrity in their careers and use their skills to help build a stronger and more prosperous Liberia.