Booker Washington Institute

UL President, Dr. Layli Maparyan Visits BWI to Explore Strategic Partnership Opportunities

Kakata, Margibi County – December 18, 2025

The Booker Washington Institute (BWI) warmly welcomed the President of the University of Liberia (UL), Dr. Layli Maparyan, who paid a courtesy visit to the institution as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between Liberia’s premier technical and vocational institute and the University of Liberia.

During the visit, Dr. Maparyan, accompanied by Dr. Nancy T. Freeman, Principal and Executive Officer of BWI, along with senior administrators, toured and assessed several key facilities on the BWI campus. These included the General Building Trades Department, Machinery Department, Domestic Science Department, Motor Pool Section, and the Girls’ Dormitories. The tour focused on identifying practical areas for skills development and partnership between the University of Liberia and BWI.

At the General Building Trades Department – Carpentry Shop, Dr. Maparyan highlighted plans already underway for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UL and BWI. She emphasized that the proposed agreement will focus on the production of armchairs for the University of Liberia, a move that underscores confidence in BWI’s technical capacity while creating real-world production opportunities for students.

Dr. Maparyan also expressed strong interest in an innovative tractor-based grass-cutting technology developed by BWI’s Machinery Department and Motor Pool Section, which is currently used to maintain the BWI campus. She noted that similar locally developed technology would be highly beneficial to the University of Liberia, helping to keep its campuses clean while promoting local engineering solutions.

The visit further featured brief exhibitions of state-of-the-art equipment and machines used for students’ practical training across departments. Students completed projects were proudly showcased, including wooden urban and farm house designs constructed at the Carpentry Workshop, and a locally fabricated power tiller produced by the Post-secondary and Professional Programs students alongside Regular Students in the Machinery Workshop. These projects highlighted BWI’s strong emphasis on hands-on, competency-based technical education.

Speaking at the close of the visit, Dr. Nancy T. Freeman expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Maparyan and the University of Liberia administration for recognizing BWI’s technical expertise and opening doors for meaningful collaboration. She described the visit as a powerful affirmation of BWI’s mission to produce skilled, innovative, and industry-ready graduates who can contribute directly to national development.

BWI Administration Reviews 2025 Progress, Acknowledges challenges, Reaffirms Commitment to Staff Welfare, and
Appreciates Staff with Christmas Stamina Package

Kakata, Margibi County — December 17, 2025

The Booker Washington Institute (BWI) held its General Staff Meeting at the Institute’s auditorium, bringing together faculty, staff, and administrators in a spirit of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the BWI Administration, led by the Principal and Executive Officer, Dr. Nancy T. Freeman, along with other senior administrators, to present a comprehensive overview of the successes recorded during the year 2025, while also candidly addressing the challenges encountered along the way. Emphasis was placed on institutional growth, academic progress, infrastructure development, and the collective efforts that sustained the Institute throughout the year.

Adding national significance to the gathering was the presence of Mr. Thomas Momo Parker, Deputy Minister for Planning, Research and Development, whose attendance underscored government interest and support for technical and vocational education in Liberia. His participation reinforced the importance of BWI’s role in national human capital development.

In Dr. Freeman's address, she expressed heartfelt appreciation to the faculty and staff for their dedication, resilience, and unwavering service to the Institute. She acknowledged that the achievements of 2025 were made possible through teamwork, sacrifice, and a shared vision for excellence, even in the face of limited resources and operational challenges.

As a gesture of gratitude and care for staff welfare, Dr. Freeman announced that the Administration has prepared a Christmas stamina package for all faculty and staff. The package includes a 25kg bag of rice and one gallon of Argo oil, symbolizing the Administration’s recognition of staff commitment and its desire to ensure that employees celebrate the festive season with joy.

The meeting concluded on a note of hope and unity, as staff were encouraged to remain steadfast, innovative, and committed in the coming year. The atmosphere reflected not just an end-of-year review, but a renewed sense of purpose, affirming that at the Booker Washington Institute, progress is built through collective effort, appreciation, and shared responsibility.

Tuskegee University Delegation Visits Booker Washington Institute to Advance International Partnership Talks

Kakata, Margibi County – December 12, 2025

A high-level delegation from Tuskegee University, Alabama, United States of America, has concluded an official visit to the Booker Washington Institute (BWI) as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen academic cooperation and institutional development.

The visit follows earlier engagements between the two institutions, including the official trip of BWI Principal and Executive Officer, Dr. Nancy T. Freeman, to Tuskegee University in early May 2025. During that engagement, Tuskegee University awarded three PhD scholarships to BWI, two in Agriculture and one in Civil Engineering, marking a significant milestone in the emerging partnership.

On December 10, 2025, ahead of the campus visit, Dr. Freeman personally welcomed the Tuskegee delegation upon their arrival at the Roberts International Airport. The delegation was led by the President of Tuskegee University, Dr. Maxine Brown, accompanied by members of the Board of Trustees and other senior officials. The visit was a reciprocation of Dr. Freeman's earlier trip and aimed at advancing discussions on long-term collaboration.

As part of the visit, Dr. Freeman led the delegation to meet with His Excellency, Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr, President of the Republic of Liberia, after which the team proceeded to the BWI campus for further dialogue on partnership opportunities.

The campus engagement, held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, included a tour of key facilities such as Graham Hall, Fair Stroke, the BWI Monument, and the Carpentry Shop, where an American-supported project involving the construction of a mobility cart is currently underway. The delegation was also accompanied by the President of Margibi University, Dr. Joseph T. Isaac.

In a spirit of mutual respect and appreciation, BWI extended hospitality to the visiting team, reciprocating the warm reception previously accorded to BWI Principal and Executive Officer in the United States. During the ceremony, four members of the Tuskegee delegation were inducted into the BWI Alumni Association, receiving the official BWI scarf and flag.

Dr. Freeman reaffirmed her commitment to positioning BWI as a globally connected institution, emphasizing that partnerships with reputable international universities will help introduce student exchange programs, improve academic standards, and enhance infrastructure development.

She also expressed gratitude to BWI administrators, faculty, and students for their cooperation and support, noting that collective effort remains key to making BWI a leading institution not only in Liberia, but across the West African region.

BWI Class of 1982 and North America Alumni Fund Significant Campus Upgrades

Kakata, Margibi County — December 10, 2025

The Booker Washington Institute (BWI) Class of 1982 and the BWI National Alumni Association of North America have dedicated two major development projects on the Institute’s campus: the renovated Audio Visual Room/Hall and a newly constructed Automotive Department Annex. Both initiatives were generously funded by alumni groups committed to advancing BWI’s continued growth.

The Audio Visual Room/Hall renovation, sponsored by the Pioneer Class of 1982 at a cost of USD 14,000, was executed by Gartay & Sons Group of Investment and supervised by Mr. James Kerkulah. Over a three-month period, the space was transformed into a modern facility designed to enhance digital learning, presentations, and academic engagements. During the dedication, Dr. Nancy T. Freeman, Principal & Executive Officer, expressed appreciation to the Class of 1982 for their impactful contribution and encouraged sustained alumni participation in campus development.

The newly built Automotive Department Annex, funded by the National Alumni Association of North America under the leadership of its President, Mrs. Tarlow L. Miller, was completed in one month at a cost of USD 12,000. The annex provides a safe and conducive workshop environment for the Basic Metal Training Course and other technical programs. Dr. Freeman thanked the association for its ongoing support and highlighted the importance of such contributions in strengthening BWI’s technical training capacity.

Together, these projects represent significant progress in improving the Institute’s learning environment and underscore the strong partnership between BWI and its global alumni community. Dr. Freeman reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to fostering collaborations that enhance institutional development and advance student training outcomes.

🎉 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DR. NANCY T. FREEMAN! 🎉

From Your Booker Washington Institute (BWI) Family

Today, we celebrate you, a phenomenal leader, and a visionary administrator whose impact continues to shape the future of the Booker Washington Institute and the lives of thousands of young Liberians.

As the Principal & Executive Officer of BWI, your commitment to excellence has strengthened every corner of our institution. You are the first female Principal in BWI’s 95-year history, a milestone that inspires girls, women, and future leaders across Liberia.

Your courage, your discipline, and your passion for education continue to move BWI forward in powerful ways.

Your recognition as one of the 100 Most Influential African Women reflects the tremendous work you are doing not only for BWI, but for the nation and the African continent. You embody leadership that transforms systems, empowers youth, and uplifts communities. We are proud to have such a globally respected leader guiding our institution.

Under your leadership, BWI is experiencing a new era of growth and excellence:

-You have strengthened academic and technical programs
-You have improved student services and campus operations
-You continue to modernize infrastructure and administrative processes
-You encourage professionalism, unity, and accountability across departments
-You consistently elevate the image and visibility of BWI nationally and internationally

Your work is changing lives every single day, and we are grateful.

On this special day, we pray that:

-God grants you renewed strength, wisdom, and good health
-Your year is filled with success, peace, and divine favor
-Every plan you have for BWI is accomplished with excellence
-You continue to shine as a beacon of hope and leadership for our students and staff.

Thank you for your humility, passion, and transformative leadership.
We are honored to serve under your guidance, and we look forward to many more achievements together.

BWI FOUNDER’S DAY CELEBRATION 2025

The Booker Washington Institute (BWI), Liberia’s Model Center of Excellence, proudly announces its annual Founder’s Day Celebration, set to take place from June 26 – June 28, 2025. This year’s events are full of community impact, alumni engagement, and active student participation, reflecting BWI’s longstanding tradition of service, excellence, and transformation.

June 26, 2025 @ 11:00 AM – Community Outreach Project

The celebration will commence with a meaningful outreach project at Mandingo Quarter, Kakata City, Margibi County. In line with tradition, the BWI administration is once again giving back. This year’s outreach focuses on constructing a latrine for an orphanage home, located just half a mile from the BWI campus. This initiative reaffirms the Institute’s commitment to social development alongside technical education.

June 27, 2025 @ 10:00 AM – Guest House Project & Fundraising

The BWI National Alumni Association will lead a fundraising event to support the ongoing Guest House Project and an Honoring Program. The event will bring together proud alumni, staff, and well-wishers to contribute toward the growth and sustainability of our great institution.

June 27, 2025 @ 12:00 PM – Sporting Events

After the morning event, the afternoon will be full of fun and games! There will be friendly matches in basketball, kickball, soccer, and volleyball. Everyone is welcome to watch, cheer, and enjoy the day.

Save the dates and join us in celebrating 96 years of academic excellence.

🎓 2024/2025 Academic Excellence Honoring Program – A Historic Milestone at BWI

June 21, 2025

Earlier today, the Booker Washington Institute (BWI) proudly hosted its Academic Excellence Honoring Program for the 2024/2025 academic year, recognizing students for their exceptional academic achievements across various departments.

This year’s event marked a historic moment for BWI, as two freshman students broke a four-year record by earning a place on the Principal’s List (90–100 average), a category that had remained untouched since 2021.

🏅 James R. Sulonteh – Business Education Department / Accounting Section

🏅 Markson M. Jaiway – Electrical Department

Both students achieved a remarkable 91 average and were awarded the prestigious Principal’s Award by Dr. Nancy T. Freeman, Principal and Executive Officer of BWI. The award grants a full tuition scholarship for the 2025/2026 academic year in recognition of their excellence and dedication.

In addition to this remarkable achievement, 10 students were recognized under the High Honor category (85–89 average) and 58 students were recognized under the Honor Roll category (80–84 average)

The Administration, led by Dr. Freeman, extended heartfelt congratulations to all honorees, as well as sincere appreciation to their parents and guardians for their unwavering support and encouragement.

This celebration of academic excellence is evidence to the hard work, discipline, and resilience of our students. Let their success inspire others to persevere and aim higher.

Booker Washington Institute Boosts Food Security with 113 Bags of Lowland Seed Rice

In a remarkable effort to strengthen food security in Liberia, the Booker Washington Institute (BWI) has successfully harvested 113 bags of 25 kg lowland seed rice from a 2.7-acre farmland under its agricultural program. This initiative was made possible through the dynamic leadership of Dr. Nancy T. Freeman, Principal and Executive Officer of BWI.

The Head of BWI’s Agriculture Department, Mr. J. William Barrolle, expressed deep appreciation to Dr. Freeman for her visionary leadership, which has propelled the institution’s agricultural activities forward. He also acknowledged the Ministry of Agriculture, under the guidance of Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuateh, for their continuous support in advancing agricultural education and production at BWI.

The administration of BWI extended its gratitude to His Excellency President Joseph Boakai for prioritizing food security and recognizing the importance of Booker Washington Institute in addressing the challenges of food production in Liberia. With this initiative, BWI continues to play a significant role in empowering young Liberians with practical agricultural skills while contributing to national food sustainability.

This milestone marks a step forward in reducing Liberia’s dependency on imported rice and promoting self-sufficiency in food production. The collaboration between BWI, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Government of Liberia highlights the shared commitment to enhancing the country’s agricultural sector and ensuring a more food-secure future.

Dr. Nancy T. Freeman, Principal/Executive Officer of Booker Washington Institute, Invited to Grace Margibi University’s 3rd Graduation Convocation

Harbel, Margibi County – February 21, 2025: Dr. Nancy T. Freeman, the esteemed Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Booker Washington Institute (BWI), has received an official invitation to serve as a distinguished guest at the 3rd Graduation Convocation Ceremony of Margibi University. The event is scheduled to take place tomorrow, February 22, 2025, in Harbel, Lower Margibi County.

The highlight of the occasion will be the presence of His Excellency, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who is expected to serve as the Keynote Speaker. His participation underscores the significance of education and the government’s commitment to fostering academic excellence in Liberia.

Margibi County takes immense pride in hosting such a remarkable event, celebrating the academic achievements of its graduates. Dr. Nancy T. Freeman, a highly respected educator and administrator, is recognized for her dedication to empowering young minds through technical and vocational education. Her presence at the ceremony adds prestige to the occasion, symbolizing the strong partnership between Booker Washington Institute and other institutions of higher learning in Liberia.

As Margibi University prepares to confer degrees upon its graduating class, the county and the nation at large rejoice in witnessing another milestone in Liberia’s educational advancement. The event is expected to draw high-profile dignitaries, government officials, academicians, students, and proud family members.

Tomorrow’s convocation will not only celebrate academic accomplishments but also serve as a platform for inspiring the next generation of leaders, professionals, and change-makers in Liberia.

February 18,2025

The administration of Booker Washington Institute (BWI), under the leadership of Dr. Nancy T. Freeman, Executive Officer and Secretary of the BWI Board, is pleased to inform all sponsors, guardians, the Student Council leadership, and the entire student body that normal academic activities have resumed.

Through the support of the Alumni Association, Parents Teachers Association (PTA), and the BWI Board of Governors, led by the Board Chairman, the institute remains committed to providing quality education and maintaining academic excellence.

We encourage all students to prepare adequately, as the First Semester Final Midterm Exams are officially scheduled to begin on Thursday, February 20, 2025.

We sincerely appreciate all parents and guardians for choosing BWI as the institution for their child(ren)’s education. Your continued support is vital to our shared success.

For further inquiries, please contact the BWI administration.

Signed:
BWI Administration

BWI Administration and Workers' Union Resolve Dispute, Classes to Resume Thursday, February 20, 2025

Kakata, Margibi County – Dr. Nancy T. Freeman, Secretary of the Booker Washington Institute (BWI) Board of Governors, addressed the press at the American Corner regarding the recent labor dispute that disrupted academic activities on campus. The press conference was in response to allegations raised by the Workers' Union in their previous press statement on February 17, 2025, which led to a go-slow action by staff and halted the administration of the first-semester final midterm exams scheduled for the same day.

The press briefing was attended by several media institutions, the President of the BWI Alumni Association, and members of its leadership, all of whom played key roles in efforts to resolve the matter.

Immediately following the press conference, another crucial meeting was convened by the Workers' Union. This meeting, which saw full attendance from BWI staff and the Workers' Union leadership, was conducted under the auspices of the BWI Board of Governors Chairman, Mr. Isaac B. Stevens, along with Ex-Officio Mr. Jonathan Payelayleh and Dr. Nancy Y. Freeman, the Secretary of the Board.

During this meeting, extensive discussions were held between the administration and the Workers' Union leadership, focusing on the grievances that led to the go-slow action. Through the intervention of the BWI Board of Governors, a resolution was reached, bringing an end to the impasse.

As a result of the agreement, all faculty and staff have been instructed to resume normal academic activities, and classes are officially set to restart on Thursday, February 20, 2025.

Parents and guardians of students attending BWI have been assured that the situation has been fully resolved, and steps are being taken to ensure the smooth continuation of the academic calendar. The BWI administration, alongside the Board of Governors and the Workers' Union, remains committed to fostering a conducive learning working environment for both students and staff.