In a landmark development for higher education and gender representation in Liberia, the University of Liberia (UL) has appointed Cllr. Dr. Niveda Cindy Ricks-Onuoha as Dean of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, making her the first woman to ever hold the position since the law school’s establishment in 1951. Dr. Ricks-Onuoha, a seasoned legal scholar and long-serving faculty member at the nation’s premier law institution, brings a wealth of academic experience, professional excellence, and leadership to the role. Her appointment marks a new chapter in the Law School’s history, reflecting the University’s commitment to inclusive and progressive leadership in higher education.
In accepting the appointment, Dr. Ricks-Onuoha expressed gratitude and optimism about the opportunity to lead the Law School into a new era of innovation, academic rigor, and social impact. “So, ascending to this position, I will feel an extra bit of pride because, for me, I want to serve as a symbol that women can see that a woman can become anything she desires to become,” she said. She emphasized that her leadership will focus on strengthening the quality of legal education, enhancing faculty and student engagement, and expanding partnerships that prepare graduates to contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s justice system and democratic governance.
University officials hailed Dr. Ricks-Onuoha’s appointment as both historic and inspiring, noting that her elevation demonstrates the institution’s ongoing efforts to promote gender equity and empower women to take on key roles in academia and public life. The Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, named after one of Liberia’s most distinguished jurists, has produced many of the nation’s top legal minds and policymakers. With Dr. Ricks-Onuoha at the helm, the University of Liberia reaffirms its mission to cultivate excellence, integrity, and leadership in the service of nation-building.
