By Grace Q. Bryant
President Joseph Boakai, visitor of the University of Liberia (UL), has directed the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Development to promptly address the issue of outstanding salary payments for UL faculty.
The directive was announced during the inauguration ceremony of UL’s 16th President, Layli Maparyan, held at the Fendell Campus in Montserrado County.
“I have instructed the Minister of Finance to resolve the outstanding faculty salary payments,” President Boakai stated.
He emphasized the critical role faculty play in maintaining Liberia’s premier institution of higher learning.
The President also revealed plans to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome two new buses for UL’s Cape Mount County campus, a move aimed at improving transportation for students and staff in the region.
President Boakai called on faculty and staff to resume work on Monday, January 13, as designated by the university administration for the commencement of the new academic year.
He urged UL’s Board of Trustees and administration to proactively address the university’s challenges, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting UL in overcoming these obstacles.
“The government remains dedicated to addressing the university’s challenges and ensuring a conducive environment for teaching and learning,” he assured.
During the ceremony, the UL Board of Trustees conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on President Boakai in recognition of his contributions to Liberia. In his remarks, President Boakai described UL as a national treasure and a beacon of higher education in Africa.
“Our university has a proud legacy of educating leaders, scientists, and professionals who have contributed significantly to Liberia and beyond,” he noted.
He praised the transparent and inclusive process that led to the selection of Maparyan as UL’s new president, commending the Board of Trustees and Search Committee for their diligence.
Madam Maparyan, an accomplished social scientist and advocate for gender studies, pledged to tackle the university’s challenges with a focus on modernization, innovation, and inclusivity. President Boakai expressed confidence in her ability to elevate UL to new heights.
Acknowledging the university’s current challenges, including infrastructure deficiencies, the President announced plans for campus renovations and improvements to enhance the learning environment. He commended the interim management team for identifying key areas requiring ‘s intervention and pledged to follow through on their recommendations.
“I encourage all stakeholders, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and international partners to unite in restoring UL to its esteemed position as a leading institution of higher education in Africa,” he said.
In his closing remarks, President Boakai emphasized the importance of collective effort and reiterated his commitment as a proud UL alumnus. “Let us move forward together and usher in a new era for our beloved university, building a brighter future for generations to come.”
However, in his farewell address, outgoing Acting President Al-Hassan Conteh, presented a detailed account of UL’s status during his tenure, from July to December 2024.
He highlighted significant achievements and challenges, including addressing structural weaknesses, financial deficits, and operational issues.
UL currently serves approximately 22,000 students, supported by 1,214 faculty members and 1,463 staff across four campuses: Fendell (main campus), Capitol Hill, the Health Sciences campus in Monrovia, and Straz in Grand Cape Mount County.
Conteh emphasized efforts made to resolve governance and financial issues, including the payment of faculty salaries through December 2024, with arrears of LRD 29 million for adjunct faculty to be addressed shortly.
He noted that a forensic audit, campus renovation plans, and salary adjustments were among the priorities identified during his tenure. A total budget of $42 million has been proposed for FY 2025, with a $4.8 million funding gap.
The Acting President reported notable accomplishments, including the successful completion of UL’s 104th Commencement Convocation and the launch of initiatives like the University Innovation Pod (UniPod) laboratory and doctoral programs in biomedical sciences and public health.
Conteh expressed confidence in Maparyan’s leadership, congratulating her on her appointment and highlighting her extensive academic experience, including her ties to Liberia as a Fulbright Specialist in 2010.
The Acting President also shared plans for further improvements, including the procurement of two 17-seater buses for the Straz campus and the comprehensive renovation of UL’s facilities.
He concluded by thanking President Boakai, the Board of Trustees, and the UL community for their support during his tenure and called for continued collaboration to ensure the university’s growth and success.
