About Grand Gedeh University

The Journey from Grand Gedeh Community College to Grand Gedeh University

Grand Gedeh University (GGU) stands as a proud testament to the commitment of the Government of Liberia to decentralize higher education in the various regions of Liberia including the Southeast where the institution is located. Its foundation traces back to the establishment of the Grand Gedeh Community College (GGCC) as a tertiary institution in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County through the Act of the National Legislature in 2011 and officially opened its doors to students in January 2013.

Its initial mandate was to offer vital Associate Degree programs and vocational training, focusing on preparing citizens for the labor market and contributing to the development of Grand Gedeh County and the surrounding region. As the only public institution of higher learning in the county, GGCC quickly became a critical resource, providing educational opportunities that reduced the burden on students who previously had to travel to Monrovia or other distant areas for tertiary education.

While maintaining its former status as a college, it served as the primary gateway to higher education for over 16 high schools in Grand Gedeh County. During the period the institution celebrated seven graduation convocations, producing 591 graduates (415 men and 176 women), including 39 Registered Nurses.

These highly qualified professionals are now essential drivers of growth and development, supporting both public and private sectors in Grand Gedeh and across Liberia. Building on this powerful legacy, our mission is to enhance the academic lives of students, especially in the southeastern region, by providing the academic formation needed to become responsible citizens, productive societal members and catalysts for positive change.

Through diligent expansion of its academic programs, recruitment and retention of qualified staff, and proven dedication to academic excellence, the institution demonstrated its readiness to take the next monumental step. In a significant move to enhance higher education in the upper-Southeastern region, the National Legislature, recognizing the college's growth and the increasing demand for degree-granting programs, voted to repeal the 2011 Act in July of 2025 to officially grant the institution a full university status.

The elevation from Community College to Grand Gedeh University—a four-year degree-granting institution—marks a new chapter in its history. This transition ensures that GGU continues to fulfill its core mission by offering comprehensive bachelor's degree programs, thus creating greater opportunities for educational advancement, human resource capacity building, and socio-economic development across the entire county and Liberia.

Rooted in our deep experience, we are committed to driving the success of students in a world defined by diversity and rapid change. Our focus is squarely on the present and future needs of our nation: recruiting, training, and preparing students with the 21st-century skills and mindsets required to lead and immediately contribute to Liberia’s workforce.

The current President of the institution is Dr. Eric ZM Gbotoe who was appointed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai in January of 2025 upon the departure of its former President, Dr. Solomon XY Jallayu.

OBJECTIVE OF THE GRAND GEDEH UNIVERSITY

The Objective of the University shall be to advance Knowledge, Wisdom and Understanding by teaching and research with the ultimate purpose of service to the community.

Vision Statement

To be a preeminent center of learning globally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and the development of compassionate leaders who drive positive, sustainable change within their communities and beyond.

Mission Statement

Grand Gedeh University is dedicated to providing an accessible, high-quality education that empowers students to become creative, innovative, and competent professionals. Our mission is to:

• Educate: Deliver rigorous academic programs that foster critical thinking and practical skills in specialized fields.

• Innovate: Promote a culture of entrepreneurial thinking and research that addresses pressing challenges and contributes to societal advancement.

• Serve: Instill a deep sense of service and social responsibility, preparing graduates to lead with integrity and make meaningful contributions to their local and global communities.

Welcome to Grand Gedeh University (GGU). We are dedicated to improving the lives of our fellow citizens and advancing the status of our country. Our commitment is to strengthen the nation's economy and well-being by continuously elevating our educational standards.

Welcome to Grand Gedeh University (GGU). We are dedicated to improving the lives of our fellow citizens and advancing the status of our country. Our commitment is to strengthen the nation's economy and well-being by continuously elevating our educational standards.