The Student Unification Party (SUP) at the University of Liberia has declared President Joseph Boakai unwanted on the University campuses if its authority fails to order the resumption of classes within the next 48 hours.
The group demanded that the government adheres to its 48-hour ultimatum or face unspecified consequences led by university students and other well-meaning Liberians across Montserrado.
The group also warned President Boakai’s administration to desist from politicizing education at the university and redirect his focus on addressing the many challenges facing the country and fulfill his campaign promises made to Liberians.
On June 14, 2024, the University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA) announced a collective decision to cease all academic activities over the UL administration’s failure to settle their salaries and other areas.
ULFA represents lecturers, assistant professors, and professors tasked with providing superior education and preparing Liberian students for global competition and national leadership.
The announcement also comes at a critical time, with the university scheduled to administer final exams in the next two weeks, concluding the 2023/2024 academic semester.
ULFA’s suspension of academic activities does not only disrupts the semester but also creates a significant embarrassment for over 20,000 students, casting them as public laughingstocks.
The abrupt closure of the university, particularly given the delay of the 104th Graduation convocation, is deeply frustrating for students nearing the end of their academic journey.
According to the group, the drastic measure was in response to the administration’s and by extension, the government’s failure to address numerous pressing issues affecting ULFA members’ livelihoods.
The students movement which echoed its solidarity with ULFA in their pursuit of a better university and supports , reiterated their call for the settling of their arrears and emphasized that negotiations can continue while the semester progresses.
SUP, at the same time, demanded the completion of the semester by any means necessary, thereby acknowledged that ULFA’s decision stems from government negligence, which must be addressed urgently.
SUP also called on ULFA to reconsider their decision, resume classes, and ensure the semester concludes while addressing their concerns before the new academic year and called on Boakai to address the issues at the University of Liberia and stop politicizing education.
It can be recalled that prior to SUP’s press statement, President Boakai on June 15, 2024, issued a formal directive to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees and President of the University of Liberia.
The directive, which was communicated on May 27, 2024, mandates the immediate convening of a Board meeting to formalize the establishment of a Search Committee tasked with identifying and selecting the new leadership of the University, in strict adherence to the University’s charter.
President Boakai, according to an Executive Mansion release, underscored the critical importance of expeditiously forming the committee to ensure seamless continuity and stability at the University.
The release states that the pivotal directive issued nearly three weeks ago, emphatically underscores the urgency and gravity of this matter and expressed his expectation of an unwavering commitment from the administration and the Board of Trustees and anticipates their swift and resolute action to address this vital issue, ensuring an efficient and transparent transition of leadership within the University of Liberia.
