The Liberia National Students’ Union (LINSU) has unveiled its inaugural committee under the leadership of newly elected President James G. Washington.
The announcement, made on November 21, 2024, also highlighted critical national issues, including police brutality on university campuses, rising commodity prices, and commendable developments in the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS).
Addressing the first ever media conference by the student leader under the 6th post-war executive committee, he unveiled that the inaugural committee is a milestone for the current leadership of LINSU, following its election during the 6th Post-War Congress in September 2024.
The committees, covering organizing, public relations, recruitment, and social culture, aim to unite students and drive the new leadership’s agenda under the ARTS manifesto.
To head the organizing committee for the pending leadership inauguration, LINSU president named a female student activist in Yassah Wesley to serve as chair in order to use her outstanding leadership skill in coordinating and planning of the event.
With a total of over 30 persons already named in different committees, he stressed that other individuals will subsequently be called upon by the leadership of the student union to bring on board their expertise for total inclusion.
In his remarks, Henry Jerome Varfee, George P. Carr and Prince Gbaryou, were all appointed to chair the committees on Public Relations, Social Culture as well as Recruitment, Mobilization and Outreach respectively.
At the same time, Washington has expressed grave concerns over recent reports of police violence at the University of Liberia (UL).
The head of the largest student organization strongly criticized the Liberia National Police (LNP) for what it describes as “unwarranted muggings” of students, citing incidents of brutality captured in videos circulating on social media.
“Academic spaces must remain zones of intellectual engagement and freedom,” he emphasized, calling on the LNP to cease invading university campuses and to handle student-related matters within the bounds of the law. LINSU president warned against actions that undermine academic freedom and peace in Liberia.
Meanwhile, the growing economic challenges faced in the country has captured the attention of the student as LINSU urged the Economic Management Team of the regime to address the disconnect between the falling exchange rate of the Liberian dollar and the persistent high prices of essential commodities.
“The financial strain on jobless students is severe, impacting their ability to afford resources like internet access necessary for academic research,” James Washington stated with a call for urgent governmental action to ensure that economic improvements translate into tangible benefits for Liberian students and citizens.
