17/04/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
H. E. Christian R. Cooper
Adventist University of West Africa Students’ Association (AUWASA)
April 17, 2026
AUWASA HOLDS 10TH INAUGURATION CEREMONY, PRESIDENT CHRISTIAN R. COOPER UNVEILS BOLD REFORM AGENDA
Schiefflin Township, Liberia — The Adventist University of West Africa Students’ Association (AUWASA) has successfully conducted its 10th Inauguration Ceremony, marking a historic transition in student leadership and setting a transformative agenda for the future of the university community.
The ceremony, held on April 15, 2026, at the main campus of the Adventist University of West Africa, brought together members of the University Administration, faculty, student leaders, representatives of sister institutions, and the general student body in a moment of reflection, renewal, and renewed commitment to student-centered governance.
In his inaugural address, the newly inducted President of AUWASA, His Excellency Christian R. Cooper, articulated a bold vision anchored on systemic reform, institutional collaboration, and student empowerment. Describing the moment as “not merely ceremonial—but transformational,” President Cooper emphasized the urgent need to address longstanding systemic challenges affecting students.
“This administration will not normalize inefficiency, silence, or exclusion. The time is always right to do what is right,” President Cooper declared, echoing the words of Martin Luther King Jr..
KEY REFORM PROPOSALS ANNOUNCED
A central highlight of the inauguration was the formal announcement of a comprehensive package of reform proposals, which the President confirmed will be submitted to the University Administration for considerate and proactive action.
These include:
➡️ Constitutional Amendment Initiative
A strategic review of the AUWASA Constitution aimed at strengthening governance, accountability, and inclusive student representation.
➡️ Medical Clinic Reform Proposal
A call to review fees, upgrade facilities, and improve service delivery at the University Clinic, reinforcing the principle emphasized by Kofi Annan that “health is a human right.”
➡️ Laboratory Services Improvement Proposal
Focused on enhancing practical learning conditions, particularly within the Nursing Lab, to ensure students receive quality, hands-on academic training and fees feasibility
STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES
Beyond reforms, President Cooper unveiled forward-looking initiatives designed to expand opportunities for students:
📌 Institutional Partnerships Program
To facilitate internships, job placements, and professional exposure for AUWA students.
📌 Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Programs
Semester-based certification opportunities aimed at equipping students with industry-relevant skills.
📌 Campus Life & Welfare Fund (CLWF)
A proposed support system to assist students in times of need and improve campus welfare.
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND CULTURAL ADVANCEMENT—In a move to promote student creativity and engagement, the administration announced plans to collaborate with the university’s administration to host:
• Miss & Mr. AUWA Pageantry — celebrating intelligence, leadership, and cultural pride.
• AUWA GOT TALENT Festival — a university-wide platform for artistic and creative expression.
LEGACY PROJECT: MODERN STUDENT CENTER
A major highlight of the President’s agenda is the Legacy Project—the proposed Modern Student Center, envisioned as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and student development.
Drawing inspiration from John F. Kennedy, President Cooper called on stakeholders to support the initiative, emphasizing shared responsibility in nation-building and institutional growth.
In support of this initiative, the Inaugural Keynote Speaker, Hon. M. Kolleh, through his representation, pledged four (4) bundles of zinc and thirty (30) bags of cement toward the construction of the Modern Student Center. This contribution was widely applauded as a demonstration of commitment to student advancement and institutional development.
President Cooper further emphasized that his administration is committed to mobilizing external support to achieve its developmental goals.
“This administration will leave its comfort zone to actively seek external partnerships and support for the betterment of the student community,” he affirmed.
The President also reiterated his commitment to transparency and accountability, announcing the establishment of the General Audit Committee in line with the AUWASA Constitution to ensure responsible governance.
COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY—The President further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to integrity through the establishment of the General Audit Committee, ensuring transparency in governance and responsible management of student resources.
In closing, President Cooper reiterated that all outlined proposals will be formally submitted to the University Administration, stressing that the administration’s mission is not only to identify challenges but to provide practical, solution-driven approaches.
Quoting Liberia’s former President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, he reminded the audience:
“If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.”
The 10th Inauguration Ceremony concluded with a renewed sense of unity and shared purpose among students and stakeholders, signaling the beginning of a new era defined by reform, inclusion, and transformation at AUWA.
Issued By: __________________________
Office of the Presidential Press Secretary
Adventist University of West Africa Students’ Association (AUWASA)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +231 55 526 7304
