- Bong County University's Vice President for Administration, James K. Saybay, has strongly defended the institution's leadership, highlighting what he described as a sweeping transformation of the university and firmly rejecting allegations surrounding the departure of former Procurement Director Lawrence N. Yallah.
Speaking Wednesday at a press conference on the university campus, Saybay described an administration that inherited a struggling institution. He recounted that when the leadership took over what was then Bong County Technical College, the school had been closed for two academic semesters, with academic programs stalled and student morale at a low point.
"We met an institution that was facing serious operational and academic challenges," Saybay said. "Through deliberate planning and decisive action, we successfully reopened the college and restored normal academic activities." He emphasized that this marked the beginning of a period of recovery and renewed stability.
Among the achievements cited, Saybay pointed to the university's accreditation by the Liberia Board of Nursing and Midwifery, calling it a pivotal development. He said the accreditation legitimized the nursing and midwifery programs, aligned them with national standards, and expanded opportunities for students pursuing healthcare careers.
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Saybay also noted governance reforms under the current administration, including the revival of student leadership through elections. He argued that this move strengthened student participation and restored confidence in campus democracy. "Student voices are critical to institutional growth," he stated.
Campus improvements were another focus. Saybay said the administration recruited additional janitorial staff to improve sanitation and reinforced security services, creating what he described as a safer and more conducive learning environment. He added that faculty development was prioritized, with several lecturers granted study leave to pursue advanced degrees to enhance academic quality.
Citing tangible results, Saybay disclosed that student enrollment has surged from about 600 to over 2,000--a dramatic increase he attributed to the administration's reforms. He also celebrated the institution's transition from Bong County Technical College to Bong County University as a landmark achievement reflecting broader institutional growth.
Addressing the controversy involving Yallah, Saybay categorically dismissed claims that the former Procurement Director was terminated. "Mr. Yallah was not dismissed," he said. "He resigned." Saybay maintained that the university possesses Yallah's resignation letter, as well as a letter of apology addressed to him, which he said confirms the voluntary nature of Yallah's departure.
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According to Saybay, Yallah presented a master's degree in environmental science at the time of his employment and indicated he was pursuing a diploma in procurement. However, concerns later arose about Yallah's lack of formal procurement training and experience, which Saybay said led to performance challenges.
Saybay revealed that the administration subsequently decided to reassign Yallah to head the Environmental Department, a move he said was in line with Yallah's academic background. He claimed Yallah rejected the reassignment and later took to social media to allege that senior administrators were attempting to remove him.
Despite the ongoing dispute, Saybay insisted that the university remains focused on its core mission. "Our priority is academic growth, institutional stability, and the advancement of quality education," he said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Yallah declined to comment, telling this newspaper he was not in a position to respond to what he described as "trash."
