In what organizers described as a historic turning point for Liberian students overseas, the Liberian International Students Alliance (LIBISA) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, inducted its first corps of officers, formally launching a global movement aimed at uniting diaspora scholars under one digital platform to advance academic excellence, research, and innovation.
Delivering his inaugural address as President-elect, Henscin Dehgar declared the formation of LIBISA a “New Dawn” for Liberia, noting that the alliance is the first of its kind to connect Liberian students across continents through a structured and technology-driven network.
“Today remains historic as students from across the globe have decided to unite to foster academic excellence while enhancing our global network. This is a new chapter for Mama Liberia,” Dehgar said.
According to him, LIBISA was born out of crisis. The alliance was established on May 15, 2025, following tensions between India and Pakistan that left several Liberian students studying in India concerned about their safety; additionally, cross-border conflict exposed the vulnerability of Liberian students abroad and highlighted the absence of a coordinated support system for diaspora scholars.
That moment, Dehgar explained, sparked conversations that led to the formation of a unified international body capable of responding to emergencies, advocating for students’ welfare, and promoting collaboration across borders.
Disclosing his 60-Day Action Plan, President Dehgar pledged ethical leadership, transparency, and strategic collaboration; naming key priorities to include launching a global membership drive, formal registration of the institution, introduction of online research symposiums, appointments to the Judicial Council and cabinet, initiation of an inter-country debate platform, and the development of LIBISA’s official website.
He also revealed plans to review and possibly change the institution’s name as part of its structural consolidation. “Unity does not mean uniformity; it means shared purpose, urging members to remain committed to service, innovation, and collective growth,” Dehgar emphasized,
Serving as keynote speaker at the induction ceremony, Bong County District #7 Representative, Foday E.K. Fahnbulleh, pledged US$1,000 in support of the alliance and encouraged Liberian students abroad to return home and contribute to national development. The lawmaker stressed that Liberia’s growth depends on harnessing the knowledge and exposure gained by its citizens overseas.
“The development of Liberia needs the collective effort of every Liberian, adding that policymakers are supportive of integrating returning students into national initiatives across sectors Fahnbulleh said. He underscored the importance of research and innovation, noting that research-driven nations experience faster and more sustainable development. However, the Bong County lawmaker urged LIBISA to champion initiatives capable of addressing Liberia’s pressing challenges.
Fahnbulleh also described the students’ alliance as a potential bridge for foreign investment, arguing that diaspora students can leverage their global networks to attract business opportunities to Liberia, create jobs, and strengthen the private sector.
However, he cautioned Liberians abroad against projecting negative narratives about the country internationally, warning that such portrayals could discourage investors.
