By: David S. Johnson – Staff Reporter | TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com

The University of Liberia (UL) is poised to significantly expand its academic offerings with the official launch of new Master’s and Ph.D. Programs in Gender and Security Studies. The inauguration ceremony is scheduled for this Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., in the Auditorium of the UL Capitol Hill Campus.

These advanced degree programs will be housed within the University’s College of Gender Studies and Interdisciplinary Research, providing a specialized avenue for students and professionals seeking to deepen their expertise and advance their careers through rigorous academic research in these critical fields.

The launching ceremony will feature an inaugural lecture delivered by Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Ph.D., who is a Professor of Gender & Security Studies. Professor Audi is also known as the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and has a significant background in public administration, security operations, and policy strategy, having authored and co-authored multiple books on security and related topics.

Engineer Adamu Tah, Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of the El-Tahdam Group, will serve as the Chief Launcher for the event. Engineer Tah’s background includes extensive experience in chemical and environmental engineering.

The theme chosen for the official launching ceremony is “Breaking The Silence: A Gendered Approach To Security Sector Reform and Ending Violence in Africa.” This theme underscores the programs’ focus on addressing the intersection of gender dynamics and security challenges across the African continent, aiming to foster research and solutions that promote peace and stability through a gender-sensitive lens.

The introduction of these Master’s and Ph.D. programs marks a notable development for the University of Liberia, positioning it to contribute further to specialized academic discourse and research in areas vital for national and regional development.