LIBERIA – In an era marked by growing calls for transparency and integrity in Liberia’s academic sector, the recent appointment of Dr. Layli Maparyan as the 16th President of the University of Liberia (UL) has generated critical debate. Martin K. N. Kollie, Lead Campaigner of the Campaigners for Academic Crimes Court (CACC), today, Thursday, January 9, 2025, brought the decision under scrutiny, raising concerns about its adherence to established selection criteria and its broader implications for academic excellence.
Kollie, known for his unwavering stance against academic fraud, unveiled findings that cast doubt on Dr. Maparyan’s qualification for the university’s top leadership role. While acknowledging her academic credentials as valid, Kollie argued that her lack of senior managerial experience in higher education directly contradicts one of the university’s key selection criteria. “The Era of Credential Audit (ECA) is here to stay, and it must transcend all interests,” Kollie asserted, emphasizing the need to sanitize Liberia’s educational institutions.
According to the university’s published vacancy notice, candidates for the presidency were required to demonstrate at least 5–10 years of proven leadership in senior roles within higher education. However, Kollie’s investigation revealed that Dr. Maparyan’s closest administrative role was as Chair of Africana Studies at Wellesley College—a departmental position held from 2019 to 2023. He stressed that such a role, while significant, does not equate to senior-level leadership in a university setting.
Kollie’s critique extends to the rationale reportedly used by the vetting committee to justify Dr. Maparyan’s appointment. The committee cited her international connections and ability to secure grants as key factors in their decision. While Kollie acknowledged her success in obtaining funding over the years, he pointed out that the total value of her secured grants—approximately $1.3 million over three decades—pales in comparison to UL’s annual budget of $31 million. He questioned whether the government’s intent is to “outsource its financial burden in the name of grants.”
Adding to the controversy, Kollie highlighted discrepancies in Dr. Maparyan’s curriculum vitae and LinkedIn profile, which he described as “a litany of inaccuracies.” For instance, her LinkedIn page lists her as Chair of Africana Studies from 2012 to the present, while her CV claims the position began in 2019. Such inconsistencies, Kollie argued, undermine the credibility of her application and raise further questions about the vetting process.
Despite these criticisms, Kollie was careful to differentiate between Dr. Maparyan’s academic qualifications and her suitability for the presidency. “Her academic credentials are sufficient,” he conceded. However, he maintained that her lack of managerial experience and the inaccuracies in her application signal a troubling precedent for Liberia’s premier public university.
Kollie also challenged the notion that international candidates inherently bring “new dynamics” to the institution. He cited past presidents like Dr. Emmet A. Dennis and Dr. Ophelia Weeks, both of whom had substantial international experience but were unable to overcome the structural challenges that plague UL. These challenges, he noted, range from chronic underfunding to administrative inefficiencies, none of which can be solved solely by attracting a “new face” from overseas.
As Dr. Maparyan prepares to officially assume her role on January 10, 2025, Kollie’s critique serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for transparency and meritocracy in Liberia’s academic institutions. The campaigner concluded his findings with a call for greater accountability, urging the university to prioritize leadership that aligns with its established criteria and the broader goal of academic integrity.
In the words of Kollie, “Liberia has no future of fairness, competitiveness, productivity, excellence, and innovation if the education corridor in Liberia is not sterilized and sanitized to weed out fraud and fraudsters.” As debates around Dr. Maparyan’s appointment continue, it remains to be seen whether the University of Liberia can rise to meet the expectations of a public increasingly vigilant about academic accountability.
