Africa-Press – Liberia. The University of Liberia Alumni Association in the Americas (ULIBAAA) has issued a strong warning to the Boakai-Koung administration and relevant stakeholders, citing what it describes as a worsening crisis at the University of Liberia (UL) that threatens the future of thousands of students and undermines the nation’s educational development.
In a detailed statement signed by ULIBAAA President Wilhelmina Wilson and the Association’s Board Chair, the alumni body expressed serious concern over what it termed “decades of chronic neglect and underfunding” that have steadily eroded the academic and administrative foundation of Liberia’s premier public university.
The group said these longstanding issues have reached a tipping point and now require immediate and coordinated action from government authorities and university leadership.
According to the association, successive governments have failed to prioritize higher education in their national development agendas, leading to the current deteriorating state of the institution. The group cited multiple challenges at UL, including the dilapidated condition of infrastructure, lack of proper teaching and research materials, insufficient administrative capacity, and the inability to attract and retain qualified faculty due to low salaries and inadequate benefits.
“The University of Liberia is not merely a learning institution—it is a pillar of national development and a training ground for the country’s future leaders. Its progress must be viewed as a national priority and an essential building block for Liberia’s overall advancement,” the statement read.
ULIBAAA was particularly critical of the government’s tuition-free undergraduate policy, introduced in recent years, which it described as well-intentioned but fundamentally unsustainable without a corresponding increase in financial support.
The group argued that while the removal of tuition fees was a noble gesture aimed at broadening access to education, the policy has placed a heavy and unmanageable financial burden on the university, worsening its already fragile operational state.
“The recent decision to make undergraduate tuition free, though driven by a desire to improve access, has significantly exacerbated UL’s financial instability. The policy was implemented without a commensurate increase in government subsidies or a sustainable funding mechanism to support the influx of students. As a result, UL is struggling to maintain basic services and meet the needs of its growing student body,” ULIBAAA stated.
However, in response to these claims, Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan recently pushed back against the narrative of underfunding. Appearing on the ELBC Morning Show, Minister Ngafuan clarified that the University of Liberia had initially requested a total of US$41 million during the national budget formulation process. He noted that the government ultimately allocated US$34 million to the university and emphasized that 90 percent of the approved amount has already been disbursed to the institution.
Minister Ngafuan also addressed the controversial US$500,000 emergency relief request made by UL President Dr. Layli Maparyan for urgent campus repairs and payment to contractors. He described the request as an “off-budget” item, meaning it falls outside of the regular budgetary framework, and warned that such requests must be handled with caution due to broader implications for financial transparency and public expectations.
“It is one thing to ask for additional support, and another to ensure that existing resources are used effectively and accountably. Off-budget requests require special scrutiny and careful evaluation,” Ngafuan explained.
In its statement, ULIBAAA also expressed deep concern over the persistent neglect of faculty welfare at UL. The group emphasized that instructors and academic staff form the intellectual and moral backbone of the institution, yet their concerns have gone largely unaddressed for years. The statement noted that the failure to pay faculty salaries on time, provide adequate benefits, and negotiate a fair collective bargaining agreement has led to recurring boycotts and protest actions by academic staff—disruptions that have severely undermined the university’s academic calendar and operations.
“The welfare and dignity of faculty members have been persistently overlooked. These are the people entrusted with shaping the minds of Liberia’s future professionals, and yet their own livelihoods are treated as an afterthought. A stable, well-compensated, and respected faculty is critical to building and maintaining a strong academic culture,” the association noted.
ULIBAAA also took a firm stance against the recurring episodes of violent student protests on the Capitol Hill campus and other university facilities. While acknowledging the legitimacy of many student concerns, the alumni group condemned the use of violence and destruction of property as means of expression. It warned that such actions only serve to deepen instability and erode the learning environment.
“We understand and respect the frustration of students, many of whom are navigating incredibly difficult circumstances. However, we must also condemn any form of violence or vandalism. These actions are counterproductive and ultimately harm the very institution the students seek to protect,” ULIBAAA stated.
As part of its call to action, the alumni association issued a set of comprehensive recommendations aimed at restoring the University of Liberia to functionality and prestige. The group urged the Boakai-Koung administration to develop a sustainable, long-term funding strategy that ensures consistent budgetary support to the university, particularly to offset the effects of the tuition-free policy.
ULIBAAA further called for urgent investment in university infrastructure, including the renovation of lecture halls, libraries, laboratories, and other key facilities. The association also stressed the need for the immediate resolution of faculty grievances, including payment of salary arrears, improvement in benefits, and the establishment of a fair and transparent collective bargaining process. The group called for a renewed commitment to peaceful dialogue, mutual respect, and constructive engagement among all university stakeholders.
In its closing remarks, ULIBAAA reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to the development and support of the University of Liberia. The U.S.-based alumni body, which has for years raised funds and mobilized support for the university through advocacy and partnerships, stated that while the diaspora can play a meaningful role, the ultimate responsibility for sustaining UL lies with the national government.
“No amount of goodwill from alumni or international partners can substitute for committed, strategic leadership from the Liberian government. We stand ready to partner with all stakeholders in the effort to restore the University of Liberia to its rightful place as a center of intellectual excellence and a beacon of hope for future generations,” the statement concluded.
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