By Precious D. Freeman
The Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) has called for an immediate resolution to the ongoing salary dispute between the University of Liberia (UL) and its part-time professors at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law.
This long-standing issue, which has persisted for three years, now threatens to disrupt the university’s graduation ceremony scheduled for Friday, September 20.
On Monday, September 16, LNBA’s National Secretary General, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, expressed grave concerns over the situation, describing it as a significant embarrassment for the legal profession.
Speaking at the opening of the September 2024 Term of the Civil Law Courts A and B in Montserrado County, Cllr. Varmah urged the UL administration and its Board of Trustees to act swiftly to resolve the dispute.
“How can we allow professional lawyers to be treated in this manner?” Cllr. Varmah questioned, highlighting the urgent need for the UL Board of Trustees to address the matter.
He stressed that failure to resolve the issue could undermine the graduation ceremony and negatively impact students who have already paid their fees.
The dispute centers on unpaid salaries for part-time professors, who are also members of the LNBA.
These professors have threatened to withhold cooperation with UL’s administration unless their overdue salaries, reportedly around US$20,000, are paid by Thursday, September 19.
This non-cooperation would include withholding necessary reports required for the graduation ceremony.
Dean Cllr. Jallah Barbu revealed that despite several meetings with UL’s administration, no resolution has been reached.
“The money is available, but the administration refuses to pay the professors,” Cllr. Barbu said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Cllr. Varmah offered the LNBA’s support in mediating the dispute, stressing that the association is prepared to collaborate with UL’s Board to reach a settlement.
The unresolved issue poses a significant risk to the planned graduation, which is crucial for the students and their families.
As tensions remain high, the LNBA’s call for immediate action highlights the pressing need for the university to address the financial grievances of its Part-Time Professors to ensure the successful execution of the graduation ceremony.
