spot_imgspot_img
Wednesday, April 9, 2025

BOAKAI APPOINTS DR. LAYLI MAPARYAN AS UL PRESIDENT AMID CONTROVERSY

Date:

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has named Dr. Layli Maparyan as the new President of the University of Liberia, marking a pivotal moment for the nation’s premier institution of higher learning. The appointment, announced on January 4, 2025, follows the unanimous approval of the University’s Board of Trustees. Boakai expressed unwavering confidence in Dr. Maparyan’s capabilities, citing her extensive expertise, academic achievements, and dedication to advancing education in Liberia.

Dr. Maparyan, a distinguished scholar, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Wellesley Centers for Women and holds a professorship in Africana Studies at Wellesley College in the United States. With a Ph.D. in Psychology from Temple University, a master’s degree from Penn State University, and a cum laude undergraduate degree in Philosophy from Spelman College, Dr. Maparyan has had an illustrious career. Her academic journey includes teaching roles at prestigious institutions like Georgia State University and the University of Georgia. Her connection to Liberia is longstanding, dating back to her tenure as a Fulbright Specialist at the University of Liberia in 2010.

The decision to appoint Dr. Maparyan followed a meticulous selection process conducted by the University of Liberia’s Board of Trustees. On December 18, 2024, President Boakai forwarded her nomination to the Board, which approved it five days later. Dr. Maparyan is scheduled to officially assume her role on January 10, 2025.

Despite the announcement, the appointment has sparked debate. Critics, including political commentator Matthew Nyanplu, have voiced disapproval, questioning the choice of a foreign national over a Liberian candidate. Nyanplu’s criticism reflects wider frustrations, as the country struggles with unemployment and economic challenges.

The controversy comes against the backdrop of a prolonged closure of the University of Liberia, which has been shut down since July 31, 2024. The closure has left thousands of students without access to education, drawing criticism of the Boakai administration’s handling of the country’s struggling education sector. Frustrated students have called for swift action to reopen the institution and address the uncertainties surrounding their academic futures.

LATEST DEVELOPMENT

AFL LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE PATROL TO CONFRONT CRIME AND RESTORE PUBLIC TRUST

MONROVIA - In the face of rising transnational crime,...

US TARIFF HIKE THREATENS LIBERIA’S FRAGILE ECONOMY AND TRADE AGREEMENTS

Senator Amara Konneh of Gbarpolu County has raised concerns...

APRIL 6, 1996: A DAY OF DESTRUCTION AND TRAUMA IN MONROVIA

Today, Sunday, April 6, 2025, marks the 29th anniversary...

BOAKAI’S LUXURY OBSESSION AMID ECONOMIC STRUGGLES

Liberians continue to endure economic hardship while their president...

LIBERIA’S STRUGGLE FOR CHANGE CAN BOAKAI’S PROMISES OVERCOME DECADES OF UNFULFILLED REFORMS

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s message to his Cabinet during...

PRIORITIZING PRAGMATISM IN A RESOURCE-CONSTRAINED LIBERIA

In a country where the reality of fiscal scarcity...

A GROWING EMBARRASSMENT TO LIBERIA’S DEMOCRACY

The recent actions of the House of Representatives in...

COMMENTARY

WHY FOLLOW A PR STRATEGY TO OVERCOME CRISES AND MAINTAIN BRAND VISIBILITY

Courtesy of Martin Blayon, an experienced Public Relations Specialist Misinformation...

THE LASTING LEGACY OF PRINCE JOHNSON’S DEATH AND THE PATH FORWARD FOR LIBERIA

By Lyndon J. Ponnie, Sr. The passing of former Liberian...

PRES. BOAKAI’S LACK OF LEADERSHIP AND LIBERIA’S POLITICAL CRISIS

-A Commentary Joseph Boakai's failure to lead has once again...

THE MASS DISMISSAL OF LIBERIAN PUBLIC SERVANTS: A TROUBLING TREND UNDER THE BOAKAI ADMINISTRATION

A Commentary by Wondah L. Jah Since assuming the presidency,...

LATEST NEWS

DESPITE POVERTY, LIBERIA’S GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO PRIORITIZE LUXURY OVER PUBLIC SERVICES

As Liberia continues to face significant challenges in health...

CHARLES GULL ALLEGES BILL TWEHWAY STOLE $1.5 MILLION FROM BUCHANAN PORT ACCOUNT

LIBERIA – Corrupt-suspended Buchanan Port Manager, Charles MacArthur Gull,...

FINANCIAL SCANDAL: LRA FACES ANNUAL LOSSES IN MILLIONS

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Former Auditor General John Morlu has...

LIBERIANS ARE MORE DANGEROUS THAN FEAR, WILL NOT BOW TO FEAR TACTICS – CPP WARNS CDC GOVERNMENT

LIBERIA – The opposition Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), says...

Share post:

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

OPINION

HOR IN UPROAR AS EMBATTLED SPEAKER KOFFA’S INFLUENCE EXPOSES GOVERNANCE CHALLENGES

By Socrates Smythe Saywon, Sr. Liberia’s political scene is currently...

LIBERIANS ARE IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UP AND CDC

  An Opinion By Grace RK Guar Every six...

AMERICA’S NEGLECT OF LIBERIA: A CALL FOR CHANGE

An Opinion By Bishop Dr. Rudolph Q. Kwanue, Sr A...

AMID AN UNENDING WAR AGAINST POVERTY, INJUSTICES – HAS THE PROGRESSIVE STRUGGLE BECOME LOST IN TRANSLATION?

A Patriot's Diary With Ekena Wesley What manner of Liberian progressives...

THE GALLERY

spot_imgspot_img

MORE ARTICLES

spot_imgspot_img

MORE NEWS

LATEST DEVELOPMENT NEWS

LATEST CRIME NEWS

Share via
Copy link