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By Edwin N Khakie
Monrovia, Liberia – March 20, 2026 – The United Methodist University (UMU) has announced strict regulations ahead of its upcoming graduation ceremony, warning that alcoholic beverages will not be allowed on campus, as 611 students prepare to receive degrees during the 2026 commencement exercises.
The announcement was made on Thursday at a press conference held on the university’s main campus in Monrovia, where authorities said the measures are intended to ensure order, safety, and the academic dignity of one of the largest graduation ceremonies in the institution’s history.
The graduation comes at a time when Liberia continues to place strong emphasis on education and workforce development as key pillars for national progress.
Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti will be the baccalaureate speaker, while Dr. Deborah Rose, world-renowned epidemiologist and philanthropist, will be the commencement speaker.
University officials said the large number of graduates reflects the steady expansion of higher education opportunities in the country, with students expected to earn degrees in disciplines such as business, education, health sciences, information technology, architecture, and other professional fields critical to national development.
According to the university administration, the decision to enforce a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol is intended to maintain discipline during the ceremony, which is expected to attract thousands of guests, including government officials, parents, partners, and well-wishers from across Liberia and abroad.
Authorities stressed that the graduation is a formal academic event and must be conducted in a respectful and organized manner.
Officials also disclosed that security will be tightened across the campus before and during the ceremony. Security officers and campus marshals will be deployed to control access to the graduation grounds, ensuring only invited guests and graduating students are allowed into designated areas. Authorities say anyone found violating the university’s regulations, including the ban on alcohol, will be removed from the premises.
Speaking during the briefing, the university leadership called on students and parents, as well as invited guests, to cooperate fully with the guidelines to ensure a peaceful and successful ceremony.
They noted that the graduation represents not only a personal achievement for the students but also a national milestone as thousands of young professionals prepare to enter Liberia’s workforce.
The administration described this year’s commencement as one of the largest in UMU’s history, highlighting it as a sign of progress in Liberia’s education sector despite ongoing economic and social challenges.
University authorities further assured the public that preparations are ongoing, including seating arrangements, academic processions, and logistical support for guests attending the ceremony.
Officials concluded by urging graduates to celebrate responsibly and uphold the institution’s values, stressing that the event’s success will depend on discipline, cooperation, and respect for the university’s rules.
