The Africa International Institute of Science and Technology (AIIST) University College has formally appealed to the 54th National Legislature of Liberia for budgetary support. AIIST President K. Ishmael V. Conneh led the appeal during a visit to the Offices of House Speaker Richard N. Koon on October 2, 2026. Conneh emphasized that the institution is not merely seeking financial assistance but making a case for investment in Liberia's people.
AIIST, with its motto "Learn by Doing It," offers various degree programs, including Information Technology, Environmental Science, and Islamic Education. Notably, it is the first and only college in Liberia to offer a degree specialty in Islamic Education. The institution has already made significant contributions, including training at least 280 members of Liberia's security and public service sector through its tuition-free initiative, which costs around $90,000.
The tuition-free training initiative has benefited personnel from various security agencies, including the Liberia National Police, Armed Forces of Liberia, and Liberia Immigration Service. AIIST has also played a crucial role in the Government of Liberia's Digital Transformation Project, launched by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. The project aimed to train 10,000 young Liberians in digital skills, with AIIST extending the training beyond Monrovia to Lofa, Grand Cape Mount, and Bomi Counties.
AIIST's contributions extend to providing scholarships to academically outstanding students. The institution has placed over 75 students from at least 50 high schools in Monrovia on scholarship, at an annual cost of approximately $76,000. Additionally, AIIST offers financial assistance to around 65 student-athletes at a yearly cost of at least $21,500. Conneh stressed that Liberia's youthful population needs education, technical and digital skills, and that government cannot carry the responsibility alone.
Conneh called on the Legislature to view AIIST as a partner in national development rather than just an institution seeking assistance. He assured the Legislature of the college's readiness to accept transparency, reporting, monitoring, and auditing mechanisms if public support is granted. The AIIST President emphasized that the request is not simply for institutional survival but for capacity to do more, including training more Liberians and strengthening laboratories and technology infrastructure.
Speaker Koon received the document and praised AIIST for joining other private institutions in supporting government's education efforts. He vowed to engage members of the House of Representatives upon their return from legislative break to explore possible support for AIIST and other privately owned higher institutions of learning. Koon expressed hope for a positive outcome, acknowledging the institution's contributions to Liberia's education sector.
The appeal for budgetary support comes as AIIST continues to make significant strides in education and skills development in Liberia. With its focus on practical skills and contribution to national priorities, AIIST aims to enhance its capacity to serve the country's growing youth population. The institution's efforts underscore the importance of collaboration between government and private institutions in addressing Liberia's educational needs.
Key points
- AIIST University College seeks budgetary support from Liberia's 54th National Legislature to enhance its capacity for education and skills development.
- The institution has trained at least 280 security personnel and 10,000 young Liberians in digital skills through various initiatives.
- AIIST offers scholarships to over 75 academically outstanding students and financial assistance to 65 student-athletes.
