Liberia: University of Liberia Faculty, Administration, and Students Clash Over Class Closures

17 June 2024
The Liberian Investigator (Monrovia)

Monrovia — Tensions are escalating between the University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFAA), the university administration, and student political factions following the sudden closure of classes.

Over the weekend, the University of Liberia Faculty and Staff Association (ULFAA) issued a resolute joint statement demanding the immediate removal of UL President Dr. Julius S. Nelson and his administration, citing unresolved salary issues and other grievances including inadequate campus facilities.

Faculty and staff have halted classes pending resolution of their demands, disrupting preparations for the university's 104th Graduation Convocation and final exams scheduled for August.

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai responded by directing the university's Board of Trustees to convene immediately to establish a search committee for new leadership, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.

In contrast, the university administration has called on employees to resume work, warning of repercussions for those participating in the strike.

"The administration advises all employees to fulfill their duties for a successful completion of the semester," stated the Vice President for UL Relations.

Meanwhile, the Student Unification Party (SUP) has splintered over ULFAA's actions. H. Kwein W. Kwein urged a return to normalcy, criticizing ULFAA's disruption, while the Kelvin Gbantuah faction supported the faculty's stance.

Kwein emphasized the chaos caused by the closure, expressing concern over its impact on students and the university's academic calendar.

On the other hand, SUP's Ab-Lua Tuah faction supported ULFAA's decision, calling for a forensic audit to address institutional deficiencies and improve transparency.

Ab-Lua Tuah highlighted the need for President Boakai's intervention to resolve the crisis promptly, emphasizing the importance of a conducive learning environment for students.

Amid internal strife, Ab-Lua Tuah condemned what he termed biased decisions by the Vice President of Students' Affairs, accusing him of manipulating student groups to serve personal interests.

The faction also announced the suspension of its Secretary General for actions undermining party unity.

Read the original article on Liberian Investigator.

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