Africa-Press – Liberia. The Faculty Association of the University of Liberia has given the government a 30-day ultimatum to address salary disparities, unpaid retroactive benefits, and faculty welfare, or it will go on strike.
The University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA) has issued a 30-day ultimatum to government and the University Administration, demanding immediate resolution of longstanding issues, including salary disparities, unpaid retroactive benefits, and faculty welfare.
The deadline follows a General Assembly of the Faculty Association held over the weekend, July 18, at the UL’s Capitol Hill campus, where members vented their frustrations over what they called persistent neglect by both the government and the university’s leadership.
ULFA President Dr. Edna Johnny, told the gathering that poor working conditions continue to plague the faculty, including unsafe and unsanitary facilities, inadequate office space, and absence of essential teaching resources. She noted repeated unfulfilled commitments outlined in multiple resolutions dating back to June 2024 and a 2021 Memorandum of Understanding, all of which remain largely unaddressed.
Dr. Johnny stated that ULFA had held several meetings with UL President Dr. Layli Maparyan to resolve challenges affecting faculty members but noted that the administration has made little effort to follow through.
“We met with Dr. Maparyan several times to explore ways of resolving the pressing concerns affecting faculty and staff, but there has been minimal commitment from her administration,” she said.
She disclosed that ULFA requested copies of two critical documents: the investigation report into the controversial “Dorr Cooper” matter, which resulted in faculty dismissals, and Dr. Maparyan’s 100-day deliverables, both of which are yet to be made public.
“Dr. Maparyan promised to share those reports to demonstrate her administration’s sincerity, but nothing has been provided so far,” Dr. Johnny said.
Following heated deliberations at the Assembly, faculty members authorized the ULFA leadership to engage all remaining channels of redress, including the Liberian Senate and the Office of the President.
They resolved that the leadership must return with a clear update within a month, at which time an emergency General Assembly will be held to determine the next course of action.
In their resolution, ULFA members called for the immediate settlement of all retroactive payments owed to them, including compensation adjustments for members who have served beyond five years. They also demanded a full refund of funds allegedly seized without due process by the university’s comptroller.
The faculty also demanded the urgent renovation of all restrooms and toilet facilities on campus, as well as the construction of additional facilities where needed. They call for implementation of overdue promotions and complete resolution of salary disparities across academic and support staff.
ULFA members said that if the government fails to respond accordingly, they are prepared to disengage from academic activities. The emergency General Assembly will determine whether classes will continue or be suspended indefinitely, depending on the progress they maintain.
The faculty states that they remain committed to teaching but will not tolerate continued disregard for their welfare and professional dignity.
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