MONROVIA, LIBERIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai is under increasing pressure to dismiss Dorr Cooper, the Inspector General at the Ministry of Commerce, after the University of Liberia revoked Cooper’s degree over allegations of academic fraud. The university’s decision, following months of investigation, has sparked public outrage and renewed questions about the government’s commitment to accountability.
The University of Liberia’s investigative committee concluded that Cooper obtained his undergraduate degree in Public Administration through fraudulent means. According to the committee’s findings, Cooper paid $10,000 to university staff to falsify records, allowing him to graduate using the identity of a deceased student. The investigation was launched after concerns about Cooper’s academic qualifications emerged ahead of the university’s September 10, 2024, commencement ceremony.
Despite the university’s decision, Cooper has denied any wrongdoing and criticized the process as unfair and politically motivated. In a media interview, he expressed frustration at learning about the revocation through social media rather than through formal communication from the university.
“I was never given the opportunity to defend myself before this decision was made,” Cooper said. “You cannot run an institution on social media. I found out about the revocation the same way the public did, through social media.”
Cooper, who previously served as Superintendent of Nimba County and Mayor of Ganta, revealed that he is consulting legal counsel and is considering legal action against the university to challenge the decision.
The academic fraud scandal has amplified doubts surrounding Cooper’s educational background, with some residents of Nimba County alleging that he never completed high school. Despite the controversy, Cooper has held several key government positions over the years, including Development Superintendent and City Mayor of Ganta.
Civil society organizations have joined the chorus demanding Cooper’s removal. Anderson Miamen, a vocal advocate for transparency, criticized the Boakai administration for failing to act despite the university’s findings. In a social media post, Miamen reminded the President that the university concluded its investigation in October 2024 and found Cooper culpable for academic fraud.
“Mr. President, this is unbecoming of a public official. The University of Liberia has already found Dorr Cooper guilty of academic fraud, yet he remains in office. This sends a troubling message about the government’s stance on corruption,” Miamen wrote.
While critics continue to press for Cooper’s dismissal, he still enjoys support from some political allies. Supporters argue that his long-standing service to Nimba County and Liberia outweighs the allegations. One of his defenders, T. Kelvin Shalton Sr., described Cooper as a “dedicated and skilled public servant” whose contributions to the nation should not be overshadowed by the university’s findings.
Meanwhile, the scandal has also amplified praise for activist Martin Kollie, who has been credited with exposing the academic fraud case. Many social media users have applauded Kollie for pushing the university to take action. “Congratulations to comrade Martin K. N. Kollie for his relentless advocacy,” wrote one Facebook user, Harris S. Kuwon. “We call on the government to immediately remove Dorr Cooper from his post as Inspector General.”
