Africa-Press – Liberia. The Student Council President Stephen Siazia dismissed the accusations — which have been circulating in local media — as baseless and politically motivated.
The Student Council of Lofa County University (LCU) has strongly refuted allegations that the university’s president, Dr. Isaac P. Podah, compelled students to purchase civics textbooks as a condition for enrollment.
Speaking at a press conference over the weekend, Student Council President Stephen Siazia dismissed the accusations — which have been circulating in local media — as baseless and politically motivated.
“We have come to debunk the falsehood being propagated against our university and its leadership,” Siazia said, describing the claims as an attempt to discredit the institution and Dr. Podah’s administration.
The controversy was sparked by Kermoh Kamara, who alleged that students were being forced to pay USD 25 for a civics textbook authored by Dr. Podah. Kamara, according to Siazia, has filed complaints with the University’s Board of Trustees, the Civil Service Agency, and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission.
However, Siazia claimed these complaints are being influenced by individuals previously suspended from the university, and that the ongoing investigations are nearing conclusion.
“Why doesn’t Mr. Expeditor, who became a millionaire overnight, await the findings of the ongoing investigation instead of tarnishing the university’s image?” he asked.
Siazia explained that the textbook initiative is part of the “Lofa University Dollar Rally Campaign,” aimed at modernizing classrooms and supporting student-led development projects. He clarified that no student has been denied enrollment for refusing to buy the books.
The campaign, themed “Using One Stone to Kill Two Birds,” encourages support from Lofa County citizens and diaspora communities to empower students through the purchase of civics books. The initiative, he noted, has two phases — the first for university students and the second targeting secondary school students in the county.
He added that the project was transparently introduced during Dr. Podah’s inauguration and further discussed at a general student body meeting held in the Peace Hall. It received approval from both the Faculty Senate and the Board of Trustees, who reviewed the book’s academic value and noted its use at other Liberian universities.
To address economic concerns, Siazia said the administration, in consultation with student political parties, approved a flexible payment plan. Students are allowed to pay for the book in six installments over the course of two semesters.
“The Faculty Senate endorsed the books for their academic value and revenue potential,” Siazia said. “The Board of Trustees, after thorough deliberation, also endorsed the project, with several members personally purchasing copies to support the cause.”
In a pointed statement, Siazia warned Kamara to stop spreading what he called misinformation.
“We are calling on Mr. Kamara, the overnight millionaire, to cease spreading falsehoods about our institution,” he said. “If students have issues with the administration, we are capable of addressing them through dialogue, not chaos. We do not need your advocacy — you were never an advocate for students when you served as de facto president.”
Siazia reaffirmed the Student Council’s commitment to peaceful engagement and institutional development. He encouraged any aggrieved parties to use official channels to raise their concerns.
“We remain committed to the peaceful advancement of Lofa County University and will continue to defend the integrity of our leadership through dialogue and truth,” he said.
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