MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP), the largest and most influential student political group at the University of Liberia (UL), has warned President Joseph Boakai to stay away from the university’s premises, declaring him unwelcome. In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, SUP criticized Boakai’s government for neglecting the needs of the students and ignoring pressing issues affecting the institution.
The statement, signed by SUP Secretary General Cde. Odecious Mulbah and approved by Chairman Cde. Patrick N. Bosco, emphasized that Boakai’s anticipated visit to the university is an affront to the students, given the current conditions they face. “Comrades, ideological students of the University of Liberia, sons and daughters of the most neglected strata of our society, revolutionary soldiers of Massescracy, and proponents of social justice, academic freedom, and peace,” the statement began, addressing the student body.
SUP, known for its militant stance on social justice and student rights, stressed that Boakai’s administration has failed to prioritize quality education. They expressed frustration with the lack of development on the university’s campuses almost a year into his presidency, noting that basic needs for the students remain unmet.
“The government of Mr. Boakai has forgotten quality education,” SUP’s statement read. “There is not an imprint of development on the campuses of the University of Liberia! Students are angry and can’t afford to embrace those who keep them in wretchedness and poverty!”
SUP also reiterated their long-standing demand for the lifting of the ban on student political activities at the university. They accused Boakai of turning a blind eye to their calls and the deteriorating conditions at UL, where students are struggling with poor infrastructure, inadequate resources, and a lack of government support.
“The revolutionary Vanguard Student Unification Party sees the illegal presence of Mr. Boakai at the state-run university as an affront to the students and people who he continues to ignore,” the statement continued. “Boakai should avoid coming to the University of Liberia at this time of socio-economic calamity and immediately address the problems confronting students and our people.”
The statement concluded by reaffirming SUP’s commitment to standing up for the rights of the students, calling on Boakai to focus on solving the problems that have long plagued the university and its students before considering any visits.
SUP has a long history of activism at the University of Liberia, dating back to 1970, and the party’s latest warning to President Boakai highlights the deep frustration among students who feel abandoned by the government. Whether the administration will respond to SUP’s demands remains to be seen, but the student body has made it clear that they will not welcome the president until their grievances are addressed.
