Ricks Institute in Virginia, 13 miles outside Monrovia, is gradually gaining its pre-war status as a direct result of tremendous strides being made by its current Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Principal, Dr. Olu Menjay.

With gradual extension of the learning process from that of the junior high level during the turbulent crisis period to now a senior high, construction works have since commenced by the administration to begin the boarding program that had immensely contributed to achieving quality education at the institute founded in 1887.

It can be recalled that at its 2005/2006 commencement exercises held on the campus in August, Alumnus M. White-Carey Snowe underscored the need for the commencement of the boarding program, in order to support the national initiative of quality education throughout the country.

Before and at that event, the Principal of Ricks Institute, Dr. Menjay, formally announced a free education scheme involving primary students, underscoring that it was only through such initiative that the campus would regain it's fomer look.

Dr. Menjay then called on parents and guardian to support the institute as it has began proviing uniforms to students at no cost.

In a recent telephone interview with Dr. Menjay prior to his departure for the United States of America, in anticipation of further assistance to improve facilities on the campus, he expressed optimism that with the support of religious and other institutions in the country and abroad, tremendous success would be restored.

The Christie Hall, meant mainly for senior high female students, was earmarked prior to the commencement of academic 2006/2007 for renovation and boarding, something that is ongoing at appreciable pace.

Residential quarters for administrative, instructional staff and employees and the increment in their salaries have all been improved by Rev. Dr. Menjay after assuming the Principal role of the Institute.

The William V.S. Tubman building that houses classrooms and offices of the Baptist-run institute have since received renovation, including the library that is now appreciably packed with books and materials for research purposes.

Meanwhile, an alumnus of the institute, Rev. William Richard Tolbert, III has applauded the new administration for the level of progressmade.

Rev. Tolbert, III is hoping that the continued assistance rendered by the alumni associations in Liberia and the United States, specifically in the State of Georgia, and by Dr. Zwannah Dukuly of the Class of SIVA, would be enhanced.

Ricks Institute, formally Zodokai Mission, came into existence as a result of a gift received from the late Mr. John Ricks, which led to the securing of over 1,000 acres of land on which an administrative building, dormitories, a dinning hall, clinic, residential quarters,and a Junior College were built.

Most of the facilities at the Institute are still in deplorable state as a result of the Liberian civil war, making learning and boarding extremely difficult.