LICPA Pres. Papin Daniels (Left) and CU VPAA Dr. Amanze Charles Ihedioha
NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA — The Liberia Institute of Certified Public Accountants (LICPA) and Cuttington University have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening accounting education and creating a direct pathway for students to earn professional accounting qualifications while completing their university studies.
By: Marka Davis – markabarzeyee@gmail.com
The partnership seeks to bridge the gap between academic accounting degrees and professional certification while helping to address Liberia’s growing demand for qualified accountants in both the public and private sectors.
Under the agreement, Cuttington University students will be encouraged and supported to pursue the Accounting Technicians Scheme West Africa (ATSWA) qualification alongside their academic studies, providing a pathway to Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Accountant (CA) credentials.
The collaboration also includes aligning the university’s accounting curriculum with professional standards, faculty development programs, access to professional learning materials, examination preparation support, and internship opportunities.
Cuttington University has additionally been designated as an approved ATSWA Examination Centre, expanding access to professional accounting examinations across Liberia.
Officials of both LICPA and Cuttington University after the signing ceremony
Speaking at the signing ceremony on Friday June 5, 2026, LICPA President Papin Daniels said, “We are deliberate and very intentional about strengthening the accounting profession in this country, and the way we think to do that is to partner with tertiary institutions in the country.”
Daniels noted that while Liberia has adopted International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), many educational institutions are not adequately teaching those standards.
“Now, it makes us less competitive in terms of the job market. When there are some international positions or even positions in your own country, they ask you, ‘Do you know IFRS? Do you know the standards?’ Then you are stuck,” he said.
He explained that the partnership will introduce students to professional standards early through ATSWA, adding, “Once they pass, it is the pathway of them becoming professional accountants.”
Cuttington University Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Amanze Charles Ihedioha, who sigen the MoU on behalf of the University praised the initiative, saying it would strengthen professionalism and ethical standards within the accounting field.
“What you’re doing is not only setting the bar higher, but you’re also trying to make accountants and future people who will be involved in the financial world know that there are guidelines for what they do. I think it brings about integrity and respect for the profession,” Ihedioha said.
He pledged the university’s full support for the initiative, stating, “Cuttington will support you all the way. You have our backing, and we want to make this the best that it can ever be.”
As both institutions embark on this partnership, they expressed confidence that the collaboration will create new opportunities for students, strengthen educational institutions, and contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s economic growth and development.
The signing ceremony concluded with a call for continued cooperation and a shared vision of producing the next generation of accounting professionals who will uphold the highest standards of competence, integrity, accountability, and service to the Republic of Liberia.
-###-
