MONROVIA – Liberians across the country were left stunned on January 4, 2025, when Dr. Layli Maparyan, an American academic, was appointed as the 16th President of the University of Liberia. The appointment has generated outrage, especially among academics, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens who believe that leadership positions in national institutions should prioritize Liberians. While some have defended the decision, the overwhelming sentiment remains one of disappointment, with many questioning the logic behind appointing a foreigner to such a prestigious role.
Dr. Kimmie Weeks, a well-respected Liberian, spoke out against the appointment, arguing that national institutions like the University of Liberia should be headed by qualified Liberians. He emphasized that the country’s educational institutions are facing challenges not because Liberians are incapable of leading but because of insufficient resources and support. In his view, the solution is not to look outside the country but to invest in local talent and provide the resources necessary for them to succeed. Weeks criticized the idea of turning to foreign leadership when Liberia has produced numerous highly educated professionals who could take on such responsibilities.
Weeks’ comments harkened back to a pivotal moment in Liberia’s educational history—the appointment of Dr. Rocheforte L. Weeks as the first Liberian president of the University of Liberia. This moment marked a significant achievement, showing that Liberia had developed the intellectual capacity to manage its own academic institutions. Weeks lamented that the recent decision to appoint Dr. Maparyan signaled a reversal of this progress. He argued that such appointments should celebrate and uplift local talent rather than undermine it.
Political analyst and politician Matthew Nyanplu also weighed in, condemning the appointment as part of a broader pattern of ineffective leadership under President Joseph Boakai. Nyanplu, reflecting on the political landscape, remarked that the decision to appoint a foreigner to head the University of Liberia was the latest in a series of missteps that have plagued the Boakai administration. He pointed out that many qualified Liberians, having studied abroad and gained the necessary experience to lead their nation’s premier institution, were being overlooked in favor of an outsider.
Nyanplu, leader of proposed Party For the People expressed that the decision was not only an insult to the intellectual capabilities of Liberians but also a clear indication that the Boakai administration lacks confidence in the nation’s ability to produce its own leaders. He warned that by appointing foreign nationals to key positions, the government sends a damaging message to the world, undermining Liberia’s sovereignty and identity.
In his statement, Nyanplu also addressed the political implications of the decision. He stated that appointing foreigners to positions of such national significance undermines the country’s independence, particularly in sectors like education, which are vital for national growth. By outsourcing leadership roles that should be filled by capable Liberians, the Boakai administration risks reinforcing the idea that Liberia is incapable of self-governance. He also noted that it is highly insensitive to the economic realities faced by Liberians, many of whom are struggling to find jobs despite their qualifications.
Another key concern voiced by critics is the cultural and contextual gap that Dr. Maparyan faces in understanding Liberia’s unique challenges. While her credentials, including a Ph.D. in Psychology, are impressive, critics argue that her lack of experience within Liberia’s educational system makes her an ill-suited choice to lead the University of Liberia. Her appointment is seen as a top-down decision that ignores the significance of local knowledge and the importance of understanding the country’s specific needs and challenges.
The decision has also triggered a debate about Liberia’s reliance on foreign expertise. While some argue that bringing in outside perspectives is beneficial, many Liberians believe that the nation should prioritize its own citizens for leadership roles, especially in areas of cultural and political significance. The appointment of a foreigner to lead such an important institution is seen as an affront to the growing intellectual community in Liberia and a sign of missed opportunities for the country’s own academic professionals.
Dr. Maparyan’s supporters, including some government officials, have defended her appointment, citing her past involvement with Liberia through a Fulbright program and her connection to the country via her marriage to a Liberian. The Executive Mansion released a statement expressing full confidence in Dr. Maparyan’s leadership abilities, underscoring her extensive experience and commitment to the University of Liberia’s success. However, these reassurances have failed to quell the growing backlash, with critics questioning the sincerity of the administration’s commitment to fostering local talent.
Many argue that Liberia’s public universities should be a beacon of national pride, showcasing the brilliance and capability of its citizens. The selection of Dr. Maparyan has led to frustration among those who believe that Liberia’s premier academic institution should be led by someone who not only understands the country’s educational needs but also embodies the nation’s aspirations.
The controversy surrounding Dr. Maparyan’s appointment has also exposed larger dissatisfaction with President Boakai’s leadership. Critics have pointed to the decision as a reflection of a larger problem of poor judgment and a lack of strategic vision within the current administration. There is a growing sense that Liberia’s leadership is out of touch with the country’s needs and that such missteps are contributing to the ongoing challenges facing the nation.
As the criticism intensifies, some have vowed to reverse the decision if they come to power. Nyanplu, for example, has pledged that if his political bloc is victorious in the 2029 elections, Dr. Maparyan will be dismissed from her post, and a qualified Liberian will be appointed to lead the University of Liberia. He called on the Boakai administration to recognize that Liberians, particularly those who have received advanced degrees abroad, deserve the chance to contribute to their country’s development.
The debate surrounding the appointment has become a rallying cry for those advocating for greater investment in Liberian talent and a renewed commitment to self-reliance. Whether President Boakai will reconsider his decision remains uncertain, but the controversy has generated a far-reaching conversation about national identity, governance, and the future of Liberia’s educational system.
The appointment of Dr. Maparyan has generated substantial questions about Liberia’s future direction. In a brief conversation with Smart News Liberia on Saturday, January 4, political commentator and lawyer Gabriel Nah expressed hope that as the debate develops, the country will prioritize its own people and resources over foreign influence, particularly in positions of great national significance.
