About DWIUST

Knowledge, Innovation, Service: a new university for Liberia and West Africa.

“Knowledge, Innovation, Service”

The three pillars of our mission: the pursuit of knowledge through teaching and learning, innovation through research and technology, and service to Liberia and the global community.

Our Vision

To emerge as a globally distinguished university that harmoniously integrates liberal arts, technical expertise, advanced research, and professional education, shaping well-rounded individuals who are intellectually curious, socially responsible, and future-ready.

The university envisions becoming a center of excellence that nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and innovation while contributing meaningfully to societal progress and global knowledge through international collaboration.

Our Mission

Our mission is to deliver a holistic and interdisciplinary education that seamlessly integrates liberal arts, technical expertise, advanced research, and professional training to develop well-rounded, future-ready individuals.

We are committed to fostering intellectual curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking through innovative teaching, research excellence, and experiential learning. By promoting ethical values, social responsibility, and inclusive practices, and by strengthening international collaborations, we aim to generate impactful knowledge and prepare graduates to contribute meaningfully to societal progress and the global community.

Core Values

Integrity

Strong ethical principles, with integrity, transparency and accountability in all academic and administrative practices.

Innovation

Creative thinking, problem-solving and the use of emerging technologies to address real-world challenges.

Inclusivity

A diverse and equitable environment where people from all backgrounds feel respected and empowered.

Research

Inquiry, critical thinking and knowledge creation that contribute to society and global development.

Looking Ahead: Vision 2035

By 2035, DWIUST aims to become a leading center of excellence in Africa, recognized for high-impact research, innovative academic programs and strong global partnerships, with research centers in areas such as sustainable energy, public health and digital transformation, and an innovation ecosystem that supports startups and entrepreneurship.

A New University for Liberia

DWIUST was founded by Pastor/Cllr. David W. Woah, Sr., who has privately owned and funded a K-12 school in Liberia, giving primary, junior and secondary education to young Liberians and international students. That school's growth showed a critical need: a seamless path from high school to higher education.

With his partners, he founded DWIUST to offer a world-class tertiary education at home. The University is designed to help close skills gaps in health care, agriculture, engineering and technology, alongside business, education, the humanities and the arts.

DWIUST is planned in phases. Its first phase includes eight schools, academic buildings, laboratories, a library, a cafeteria and a health center on a 15.5-acre campus in Soul Clinic, Paynesville. Meet our leadership

DWIUST at a Glance

Founded
2025
Legal status
Not-for-profit
Schools
8
Proposed programs
237
Campus
15.5 acres
First classes (planned)
Sept 2027

Where DWIUST Stands with the NCHE

In Liberia, a university needs a license from the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) before it can operate. DWIUST is applying to the NCHE for licensure to offer bachelor's, master's and doctorate degree programs. Its application is dated November 2026.

Academic operations are planned to begin in September 2027, subject to licensure by the NCHE, a charter from the National Legislature, and approval by other relevant regulatory bodies.

Applications from students will be accepted only after the NCHE has granted approval. No academic program will be offered without the approval of DWIUST's Board of Governors and the NCHE. This page will be updated as each approval is received.

Not for profit

DWIUST is a not-for-profit corporation organized under Part II of the Associations Law, Title 5, Liberian Code of Laws Revised. It has no shares and no owners: no person, including the Founder, holds any ownership interest in it, and all of its income and assets are used for its educational purposes.

What still has to happen

  • Licensure by the National Commission on Higher Education
  • A charter from the National Legislature
  • Approval of each academic program by the Board of Governors and the NCHE
  • Approval by other relevant regulatory bodies

Our Founding Milestones

Where DWIUST stands on the road to welcoming its first students. Future dates are planned, and depend on NCHE approval.

  1. 2025DWIUST is founded

    David Woah International University of Science and Technology is established in Paynesville.

  2. November 2026Application for licensure

    DWIUST's application for licensure to the National Commission on Higher Education.

  3. June 2027 (target)First buildings ready

    Two academic blocks, science and computer laboratories, the central library and the administrative building.

  4. Once the NCHE approvesApplications open

    The first application cycle opens. The deadline is July 31, 2027.

  5. September 1, 2027First classes planned

    The first students begin their studies.

  6. June 2028 (target)Student hostels

    Male and female residence halls with 100 beds open in the second phase.

Find Us in Paynesville

DWIUST's campus is in the Soul Clinic community of Paynesville, Montserrado County, about 10 miles (a 30-minute drive) from central Monrovia. The 15.5-acre site is owned by the University, is cleared, and has road access, electricity and water.

The campus is being built in phases. To arrange a visit, please contact us first.

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David Woah International University of Science and Technology Soul Clinic, Paynesville
Montserrado County
Liberia

Join our first class

Applications open once the NCHE grants approval. The deadline is July 31, 2027.

See how to apply