By Emmanuel Kangar
MARGIBI COUNTY, LIBERIA – The third commencement convocation of Margibi University, which took place Saturday, February 22, 2025, was marred by the conspicuous absence of several high-ranking government officials in the county, leaving citizens, students, and faculty members in a state of confusion and frustration. Prominent figures who notably boycotted the event included the two senators from the county—Senator Nathaniel F. McGill and Senator Emmanuel J. Nuquay—along with all five representatives: Roland O. Copper (District #1), Ellen Attoh-Wreh (District #3), Emmanuel Yard (District #4), and Clarence G. Gahr (District #5). Also missing was the chair of the caucus, District #2 representative Jon Ivar K. Jones.
To add to the intrigue, the absence of Dr. Joseph D.S. Bolder, the immediate past president of Margibi County University, fueled further speculation. Dr. Bolder, who served as president before the current administration, issued a statement clarifying the reasons behind his absence. In a direct address to Verity contributor, he revealed that his exclusion from the convocation was due to a lack of an invitation from the current administration of the university.
“They are aware of my contribution to Margibi University,” Dr. Bolder stated, expressing his disappointment and frustration. “The graduating class leadership, the Faculty Association, the current Board of Trustees, and even Mr. Sam Sackie (Vice President for Administration) should be blamed for my absence. I was not invited to the third graduation ceremony, and I am voicing my displeasure over this neglect.”
Dr. Bolder also expressed his belief that the graduating class and their academic preparations were heavily influenced by his leadership during his tenure at the university. “The students who graduated were prepared during my administration, not Dr. Joseph Isaac’s, the current president,” he emphasized.
The absence of such key figures at an important academic ceremony such as a convocation is rare and alarming, especially for an institution like Margibi University, which serves as a focal point of higher education for the community. The unexplained absence of these prominent figures from both the legislative and educational sectors raised concerns within the Margibi County.
In the wake of the event, no official explanation has been provided from the Margibi legislative caucus, and there has been no formal statement or written communication to address the reasons for the absence of these officials. This lack of communication has left the community with a series of unanswered questions, including whether the absences were due to political, personal, or logistical reasons.
The issue has sparked a broader conversation about the state of Margibi County’s political and educational landscape. The fact that the current administration of Margibi County University, under President Dr. Joseph Isaac, faces growing controversy regarding its handling of institutional matters has not gone unnoticed. Dr. Isaac, whose presidency has been marked by issues of non-compliance and suspension by President Joseph Boakai’s government, is facing increasing pressure to address these concerns.
Despite the absence of prominent political and educational figures at the event, the convocation itself was carried out with the attendance of students, faculty members, and family members of the graduates including president Joseph Boakai who was the commencement speaker.
However, the absence of the elected officials and the former presidents loomed over the proceedings, casting a shadow on what should have been a joyous occasion.
As of now, the reasons behind the boycott remain unclear, with many speculating that political tensions and personal disputes may have played a role in the conspicuous absences. Given the absence of a formal explanation from the university or the officials involved, it seems likely that this controversy will continue to be a topic of discussion within the Margibi County community for some time.
The absence of these officials raises critical questions about the relationship between Margibi County’s political leadership and the educational institutions that serve its citizens, highlighting potential issues of communication, collaboration, and political rivalries.
For now, it remains to be seen whether the gaps left by these absences will lead to further tensions or if the university and its leadership will be able to reconcile their differences in the future.
