Cuttington University
Bong
Cuttington University is a private institution located in Suacoco, Bong County, Liberia. Established in 1889 by the Episcopal Church of the United States, it holds the distinction of being the oldest private, coeducational, four-year degree-granting university in sub-Saharan Africa. Originally founded as Cuttington College in Cape Palmas, it relocated to its current location in 1948. The university has played a pivotal role in educating Liberia's elite and government officials, contributing significantly to the nation's leadership. Despite severe damage and looting during the First Liberian Civil War, the university has undergone multiple reopenings and restorations, continuing its mission to provide liberal arts and technical education. The campus features its own water treatment plant and resumed broadcasting services through its public radio and television stations in 2010. Cuttington University remains a symbol of resilience and academic excellence in Liberia and West Africa.
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Tip: Visitors interested in Cuttington University should consider visiting during the academic year to experience campus life. It is advisable to contact the university in advance for tours or events. Since the campus has undergone restoration post-conflict, checking current operational status and available visitor services via the official website or phone is recommended. No specific ticketing is required, but respectful adherence to campus protocols is expected.
Interesting facts
- •Cuttington University is the oldest private, coeducational four-year degree-granting institution in sub-Saharan Africa.
- •Before the First Liberian Civil War, 45% of Liberian government officials were alumni of Cuttington University.
- •The university campus includes its own water treatment facility and resumed public radio and television broadcasts in 2010.
- •During the civil war, the campus was used as a militia training ground and suffered extensive looting and structural damage.
- •The university has reopened multiple times in its history, demonstrating resilience through Liberia's turbulent periods.
History
Cuttington University was founded in 1889 by the Episcopal Church of the United States with a donation from Robert Fulton Cutting to educate Liberian children.
Initially located in Cape Palmas, it moved to Suacoco in Bong County in 1948.
The university educated many of Liberia's government officials before the civil wars.
During the First Liberian Civil War (1989-1996), the campus was heavily damaged and looted, forcing operations to move temporarily to the United States.
The university reopened in 1998 and has since restored many facilities despite ongoing challenges.
Place Guide
Dunbar Building20th century
Houses the Registrar's office, bookstore, and classrooms. It suffered heavy damage during the civil war, including roof removal and water damage to books donated by the County College of Morris in New Jersey.
AFRICANA Museum
Dedicated to African heritage and culture, this museum's structure remains but has been severely damaged by looters and exposure to weather, with only concrete walls and rafters intact.
Tubman Library
The university's main library sustained less structural damage but experienced significant looting and destruction of books and facilities during the civil conflict.
Seth C. Edwards Cafeteria
Partially de-roofed during the civil war with collapsed roofing timbers, this cafeteria is part of the campus facilities affected by conflict.
Power HouseLate 20th century
A relatively intact facility constructed with USAID and ASHA grants, serving the campus's power needs. It was entered by looters but suffered minimal damage.
Contact
Phone: 088 051 0970
