History of LICC
Vision Born in a Time of National Crisis
The story of Liberia International Christian College (LICC) begins with a shared vision for leadership development rooted in Christian faith and Liberian identity.
During the years of Liberia’s civil conflict, Liberian Christians prayed for an institution that would prepare future leaders to serve the church, strengthen communities, and help rebuild the nation. That vision took personal shape for Dr. Sei Buor, a native of Nimba County, while he was completing doctoral studies in the United States in the mid-1990s. Recalling both the needs of his homeland and a 1994 prayer gathering of Liberian Christian leaders, Dr. Buor came to understand the establishment of a Christian college as a calling from God.
The Role of the Liberian Diaspora and the Formation of ULICAF
At the same time, Liberians who had fled the war were forming fellowship groups across the United States. On June 23, 2000, representatives from these groups gathered at the University of Indianapolis, founding what would later become the United Liberia Inland Church Associates and Friends (ULICAF). The organization’s early goals were to reunite the Liberian diaspora, provide mutual support, and create a shared space for prayer and Christian fellowship.
From Vision to Land Acquisition and Planning
In 2001, at ULICAF’s first annual Liberian Christian Conference, Dr. Buor publicly shared his vision for a college in Liberia. That vision soon moved from prayer to planning. In 2004, ULICAF, in partnership with the United Liberia Inland Church (ULIC), jointly purchased twenty acres of undeveloped land on the outskirts of Ganta, Nimba County. The location was chosen deliberately: while most Liberian colleges were concentrated near Monrovia, LICC would serve the often-overlooked inland regions of the country. An additional four acres were later acquired to support future growth.
Opening of the College and Early Academic Programs
Construction and institutional planning progressed steadily, and in March 2009, Liberia International Christian College officially opened its doors. The first cohort of students enrolled in associate degree programs in Pastoral Theology and Missions, Christian Education, and Business Management. From the beginning, LICC emphasized both academic preparation and Christian character, supported in part by scholarship assistance made possible through ULICAF and its partners.
Early Growth, Graduation, and Program Expansion
LICC experienced consistent growth in its early years. Enrollment increased, faculty and staff expanded, and on January 29, 2012, the college celebrated its first graduating class of 52 students. That same year marked an important milestone when LICC entered into a partnership with Hope in the Harvest Missions International to develop an Agriculture program. This partnership brought practical, hands-on agricultural training grounded in stewardship, sustainability, and small business principles—an area of critical importance for Liberia’s future.
Community Engagement and Institutional Resilience
LICC’s commitment to serving both students and the broader community continued to deepen. Facilities expanded, including the establishment of a Community Research Center with a library opened to residents of Nimba County. Like many institutions in Liberia, LICC faced significant challenges during national crises, but the college persevered and continued to mature institutionally.
Leadership Transition and Institutional Advancement
In 2016, Dr. Sei Buor transitioned from his role as LICC’s founding president to pursue other ministry initiatives. Dr. Nuwoe-James Kiamu was appointed as LICC’s second president, a position he continues to hold today. Under his leadership, the college advanced academically and organizationally.
Authorization to Offer Baccalaureate Degrees
A major milestone was reached in July 2020, when the Liberia Higher Education Commission granted LICC accreditation to offer baccalaureate degrees. This approval marked LICC’s transition from a young institution offering associate degrees to a fully recognized baccalaureate-level college.
Development of the Nursing Program
Building on this momentum, LICC undertook another ambitious and nationally significant initiative: the establishment of a Nursing program. In January 2021, President Kiamu publicly announced LICC’s intent to launch nursing education at a town hall meeting with Nimba County leaders and elders. This announcement reflected a growing concern for the quality of healthcare training in Liberia and a commitment to preparing nurses with competencies comparable to international standards.
The launch of the Nursing program required substantial investment in facilities, equipment, and assessment processes. A “Lay a Brick” campaign was initiated to support the construction of a state-of-the-art Nursing Simulation Laboratory, underscoring LICC’s determination to meet rigorous professional requirements rather than minimal thresholds. Over the course of several years, more than $415,000 was invested in infrastructure, instructional resources, and accreditation processes.
Accreditation of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing
In 2024, these efforts culminated in a major achievement when the Liberia Board for Nursing and Midwifery (LBNM) accredited LICC to offer the Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN). This accreditation affirmed LICC’s compliance with national professional standards and authorized the college to contribute formally to the preparation of Liberia’s nursing workforce at a time when many nursing programs nationwide were being closed for failing to meet regulatory requirements.
LICC Today
Today, Liberia International Christian College stands as a testament to faithful vision, partnership between the diaspora and the church in Liberia, and steady growth guided by Christian values. Co-owned by ULICAF and ULIC, and supported by a network of committed partners, LICC continues its mission to equip people with the knowledge to serve Christ and to build their nation.