Africa-Press – Liberia. The Administration of the state-run University of Liberia (UL) has categorically denied what it describes as false media reports suggesting that approximately 200 employees are slated for forced retirement.
In a statement released in Monrovia on September 7, the UL Administration clarified that the information is false and misleading.
The statement further indicated that such reports are intended to stir unnecessary panic and foster ill sentiments among UL employees and the University’s leadership, headed by Dr. Layli Maparyan, the 16th President of the University of Liberia.
“The UL Administration sternly warns those in the constant habit of publishing misleading information about the University—both in the media and on social platforms—without seeking confirmation or comment from the Administration,” the statement read.
The UL Administration—outlining what it described as the facts—explained that in March, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) instructed UL to reduce the portion of its budget allocated to personnel costs—from 90% to 55%—in order to increase funding for operational expenses from 10% to 45%.
According to the UL Administration, this process was scheduled to begin after the official staff headcount was completed by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) and submitted on July 31.
The Administration noted that, following this, a payroll and headcount cleanup process was initiated. This involved identifying and removing errors, duplications, ghost employees, job abandoners, and other anomalies to help reduce costs.
The statement added, “The GAC also provided a provisional list of UL employees whose age or length of service appeared to place them beyond the statutory retirement threshold for civil servants. However, it did not account for the fact that civil service laws apply differently to administrative and faculty employees.”
The UL Administration emphasized that while a review of employee age and length of service is underway to ensure compliance with national laws, any retirement-related decisions will be handled responsibly and confidentially.
“Any changes in job status related to retirement will be thoroughly discussed with the affected employees and will not be announced publicly,” the statement noted.
The statement continued: “President Maparyan has consistently emphasized the need for institutional reforms aimed at making UL more efficient, effective, and excellent—both operationally and academically. These reforms will always consider the wellbeing of employees and prospective retirees.”
However, the UL Administration strongly condemned what it called a “reprehensible act” by individuals who published fabricated spreadsheets containing illegally obtained personal data, in clear violation of privacy laws.
The UL Administration, however, warned that such actions not only create public anxiety but also constitute a breach of citizens’ rights.
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