By: Staff Writer
MONROVIA – Wilmot D. Railey, a junior Economics student at the University of Liberia (UL), has emerged as the first winner of the prestigious European Union (EU) & I Poetry Prize.
The award was presented to him on Friday, May 16, 2025, during the EU Delegation’s “Europe Day” celebration in Monrovia, where Railey recited his winning piece—aptly titled “The EU & I”—before an audience of diplomats and dignitaries.
The University of Liberia has hailed Railey’s accomplishment as a powerful symbol of academic excellence. In a message of congratulations, the university praised him for “bringing pride to the institution” and demonstrating the creative potential of UL students.
Railey shared that poetry is deeply meaningful to him. “It gives me the space to express myself efficiently using figurative language and poignant words,” he told UL Relations.
He admitted feeling hesitant about submitting his poem but ultimately took the leap—and was rewarded for his courage. “It’s a singular honor for me to have emerged as the first winner of the EU and I poetry competition,” he said.
In his poem, Railey explored the European Union’s contributions to Liberia, especially in areas like youth empowerment, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and the pursuit of academic excellence. “I also used my poem to present the diplomatic relationship between the EU and Liberia,” he added.
Reflecting on his journey, Railey expressed gratitude and hope for the future: “I am overwhelmed by this victory, and I hope to always get inspiration from my pen, which is a fountain of my poetry works.”
According to a statement, UL President Prof. Dr. Layli Maparyan celebrated the news with great enthusiasm. “The University of Liberia is proud of the great achievement of our student, Mr. Wilmot Railey. He has just demonstrated exactly what we love to see in the daily academic activities of our young scholars across the University,” she said.
Dr. Maparyan also acknowledged the broader wave of student success, including UL’s participation in the Kumasi Debate Open in Ghana and Queen Vashe Weah’s recent win in the Inter-University of Liberia pageant.
“These are testaments to the great things we can achieve when we embrace the challenge of academic excellence, intellectual exchange, and competing with skills and knowledge,” she remarked.
