By Grace Q. Bryant
The outgoing Acting president of the University of Liberia (UL), Al-Hassan Conteh, has proposed a budget of US$42 million to address critical challenges facing the state-run institution.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information regular press briefing, President Conteh outlined a comprehensive plan to improve the university’s infrastructure, settle faculty arrears, and enhance academic programs.
According to him, the university anticipates generating US$3.5m from its internal revenue sources. However, the proposed budget includes a US$4.8 million funding gap, comprising US$3.9 million for campus renovations and US$1m to settle unpaid arrears to adjunct faculty.
“The US$42 million will be used to renovate our campuses, maintain buildings, classrooms, and offices, and procure essential chemicals and equipment for our science, medical, engineering, and agriculture laboratories,” Conteh explained.
He added that the funds would also support faculty salaries, research initiatives, and a doctoral program in biomedical sciences and education.
He further revealed that the Ministry of Public Works has completed a detailed assessment of the university’s infrastructural needs.
Renovation costs for UL’s four campuses are estimated at US$13.2 million including US$3.9 million for building repairs and US$9.3 million for constructing access roads with concrete pavements.
Outgoing president Conteh emphasized the urgency of these renovations, noting that they are vital for creating a conducive learning environment.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to prepare the campuses for the resumption of classes on January 13, 2025.
Conteh revealed that a significant portion of his time has been spent resolving conflicts among student factions. “The main campus had become a battleground, with factions clashing over political differences,” he said.
He added that the proposed budget, if approved, would elevate UL’s ranking in Africa and advance its mission of academic excellence.
He noted that a recent retreat for student leaders led to the signing of the Fendell Declaration, a pledge by campus-based political parties to promote academic excellence and peaceful engagement.
The University has made strides in academic innovation, launching an online master’s program in computer science and engineering in collaboration with Georgia Tech University.
Conteh added that a doctoral program in biomedical sciences and public health has been introduced, supported by international partners and endorsed by Liberia’s President, Joseph Boakai, a distinguished UL alumnus.
He also announced the establishment of the UL Innovation Hub at the Fendell Campus in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and private sector entities. The hub aims to foster student creativity and entrepreneurial skills.
The Acting President assured stakeholders of ongoing efforts to enhance financial transparency. The General Auditing Commission is conducting an audit of the university’s financial statements, with the report expected soon.
Conteh noted that 80% of the university’s revenue is allocated to personnel costs, including faculty and staff salaries, leaving limited funds for operational expenses.
He disclosed that the University total revenue, including government subsidy, amounted to US$35 million matching its expenditures for the period between January 1 and December 17, 2024.
According to him, the institution’s financial report, US$31.9M or 80% of the budget, was allocated to personnel costs, covering the salaries of faculty and staff.
Other expenditures, according to the Acting President of UL included US$585,000 for materials, supplies, and services, US$2.3 million for general administrative expenses, US$72,000 for building repairs and maintenance, US$17,000 for vehicle upkeep, US$49,000 for equipment repairs, and US$78,000 for capitalized expenses.
While salaries for full-time faculty and staff are up to date, the university still owes its adjunct faculty L$29 million, which it plans to pay shortly.
In a bid to address operational challenges, the university has established a committee to revise its Human Resource Manual to provide a policy framework for faculty and staff promotions.
The Ministry of Public Works conducted a comprehensive assessment of UL’s infrastructure needs, estimating that renovations across its four campuses will cost US$13.2 million.
This includes US$3.9 million for building repairs and US$9.3 million for constructing access roads using concrete pavements.
The renovation plans and assessment have been submitted to the university’s visitor for approval. These efforts aim to modernize the institution’s facilities and create a more conducive learning environment for students and staff.
Conteh urged the government and stakeholders to prioritize funding for the University of Liberia, stressing its role in national development. “Despite competing priorities, the government is obligated to support the university to create a conducive learning environment,” he stated.
With the inauguration of a new president of UL scheduled for January 10, Conteh expressed optimism about the institution’s future. “I invite all stakeholders to support our new leader in implementing her vision for the university,” he said,
He disclosed that classes are set to resume on January 13, following the inauguration.
Conteh reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the university’s challenges and creating a brighter future for Liberia’s premier institution of higher learning.
