The Deputy Director General for Administration at the Liberia National Lottery Authority (NLA), Ennish L. Fahnbulleh, has called on student leaders of the Cape Mount University Students’ Association (CAMUSA), AME University Chapter, to lead with integrity, empathy, service, and transparency, warning that leadership devoid of these values “will fail both the leader and those they represent.”
Fahnbulleh delivered his message on Friday, November 21, 2025, during CAMUSA-AMEU’s inaugural program, which gathered student leaders, administrators, community representatives, and invited guests.
In his address, Fahnbulleh emphasized that true leadership is not defined by titles or authority, but by the ability to serve and amplify the concerns of the people represented. “As you lead and represent your fellow students, it’s crucial to listen to their concerns and amplify their voices. Sometimes, the problem may not be complex the student just needs your attention.
Fahnbulleh urged the new student administration to adopt the “Listen and Amplify” principle, which he described as foundational for transformational leadership. “As a leader, opening your ears is important. Listen and amplify their voices,” he stressed. He cautioned that many leaders become inaccessible or arrogant after being elected, forgetting that they are meant to advocate for the “less fortunate and the voiceless. You were not elected to serve yourselves or hinder your colleagues,” he warned. “Make yourself approachable. Leadership requires flexibility.”
Fahnbulleh dedicated much of his speech to the importance of empowering others, arguing that leaders who fail to create opportunities for their peers “will be remembered as failures.” “Empower others to be leaders so that your impact lasts,” he said. He shared his own experiences at the University of Liberia, where he helped struggling students financially and created job pathways for them.
“I funded the tuition of 10 to 15 students during my time there,” he revealed. “Many of those you see today at the post office and library were recruited through my efforts.” He emphasized that empowerment should be done quietly and without any expectation of praise: “My recruitment of people should be between you, God, and myself. I seek no accolades.”
Fahnbulleh challenged the new leadership to embrace innovation and collaboration, pointing out that effective student leadership involves engaging with faculty, administrators, and stakeholders. “Work with the administration to find innovative solutions to challenges and create positive change,” he urged. He also highlighted the need to identify and support struggling students, noting, “Some students can’t attend class due to a lack of just $50. Gather data on those students and ensure they can be present.”
In one of his strongest appeals, Fahnbulleh underscored the importance of transparency in leadership. “Be a transparent leader. It is not a crime,” he said. He shared that young people gravitate toward him not because of his position but due to his approachable nature: “Flexibility and accessibility build trust.”
He lamented unnecessary bureaucratic barriers that hinder communication between leaders and students. “Some in government have made it very difficult for people to reach them. Why should you allow your peers to go through procedures just to connect with you?”
Fahnbulleh, who hails from Grand Cape Mount County, pledged to continue promoting capable Cape Mount students to meaningful positions, highlighting a recent elevation of a young Cape Mount woman to a director-level position at the NLA. “There are Cape Mounteners with potential who deserve to be promoted,” he emphasized. He also committed to expanding job pathways for students, stating, “I have increased employment by 64 individuals at my entity alone.”
Newly inaugurated CAMUSA-AMEU president Daniyah Foday Lumeh delivered an emotional inaugural address, vowing to build a leadership grounded in peace, reconciliation, transparency, and academic empowerment. “Today is a day of renewal, reflection, and purpose,” Lumeh declared.
Lumeh reported that over 500 Cape Mount students enrolled between 2023-2025, yet only 30 graduated. He noted that 50 students are on academic probation due to dropping out for more than four semesters, and 25 students are currently out of school due to financial hardship, with financial aid absent for two semesters “Our greatest responsibility is our students,” Lumeh said. “Education is our most powerful tool. We must ensure that struggling students return to school next semester.”
Lumeh pledged to prioritize unity among student factions, stating, “We cannot lead if we are divided.” He promised transparent leadership and academic programs, including mentorship and internship opportunities
Fahnbulleh concluded his address with a poignant message: “Leadership is not about fighting opposition. It is about making a difference. Be bold, be innovative, and be inclusive. Work together to create a positive environment for all students.” The event ended with loud applause as students, faculty, and guests praised the keynote speaker for what many described as a “wake-up call for the next generation of leaders.”
