MONROVIA — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai acting in his capacity as Visitor to the University of Liberia (UL), has reached an agreement with key stakeholders of the institution aimed at ending a protracted dispute and paving the way for the orderly resumption of normal academic and administrative activities.
The agreement followed a day of intensive consultations on Saturday between President Boakai and representatives of the University of Liberia Faculty and Staff Association, the University Administration and the Board of Trustees.
The consultations came amid growing tensions over the conditions for restoring normal operations at the university, with disagreements threatening to further disrupt academic activities and affect thousands of students.
President Boakai urged the stakeholders to place the interests of students and the long-term stability of Liberia’s premier public university above their differences.
He cautioned the parties against confrontation, threats and ultimatums, stressing that dialogue, mutual respect and institutional cooperation should guide efforts to resolve the dispute.
Government Commits US$2.4 Million for Retirement Benefits
A central issue addressed during the negotiations was the retirement benefits of eligible University of Liberia employees.
Under the agreement, the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, will remit US$2.4 million to the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) to facilitate the immediate enrollment of eligible university employees.
The parties also agreed that 40 percent of outstanding salaries owed to eligible beneficiaries will be included in the 2027 National Budget for consideration.
The commitments are intended to address some of the longstanding financial concerns contributing to tensions between university employees and the administration.
Infrastructure Takes Center Stage
The deteriorating condition of university infrastructure was another major issue addressed during the consultations.
President Boakai directed that the rehabilitation and renovation of existing university facilities be prioritized before consideration is given to the proposed construction of a new classroom building.
The Ministry of Public Works will lead the renovation program and develop clear timelines for implementation.
To ensure that the rehabilitation effort does not suffer further delays, the agreement provides for the establishment of a special monitoring mechanism comprising representatives of the University Administration, faculty, the Board of Trustees and senior government officials.
The monitoring body will track the progress of the renovation works and submit weekly reports to President Boakai.
The consultations also disclosed that 6,000 classroom chairs have already been secured, with arrangements underway to procure an additional 14,000 chairs to improve learning conditions across the university.
Parties Agree to Lower Tensions
As part of the agreement, both the Faculty and Staff Association and the University Administration agreed to withdraw recent statements that contributed to heightened tensions.
The two sides also committed themselves to renewed, respectful and sustained engagement in resolving outstanding issues.
President Boakai described the consultations as productive but emphasized that reaching an agreement was only the beginning and that the commitments must now translate into concrete action.
“The University of Liberia is bigger than any individual or disagreement. Our students must not become casualties of institutional differences. We must find solutions, restore confidence, and move this University forward,” President Boakai said.
The President called on the University Administration, Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students and relevant government institutions to work together in good faith and place the interests of the university and Liberia above individual or institutional differences.
He further stressed that dialogue must remain the preferred avenue for resolving disputes while urging all stakeholders to respect established institutional processes, the university’s leadership structure and the authority of its Board of Trustees.
Agreement Paves Way for Normalcy
The agreement represents an effort to restore stability at the University of Liberia after tensions over salaries, retirement benefits, infrastructure and institutional relations threatened to prolong disruptions.
President Boakai commended the parties for demonstrating flexibility and willingness to find common ground, describing the outcome as an important step toward restoring stability and normalcy at his alma mater.
With the agreement reached, attention now shifts to implementation, particularly the government’s financial commitments, rehabilitation of university facilities, procurement of additional classroom furniture and the restoration of constructive relations among the university’s major stakeholders.
The government expects all parties to work toward the orderly resumption of academic and administrative activities and ensure that students are provided with the stable learning environment they deserve.
The consultations were attended by a delegation from the Faculty and Staff Association led by Assistant Professor Alahaji S. M. Dukuly; University Administration leaders headed by Dr. Layli Maparyan and accompanied by Vice President Dr. Lester Z. Tenny; and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Senator Numene T. H. Bartekwa.
Also participating were Justice Minister Cllr. Oswald N. Tweh, Minister of Local Government Francis Sakilah Nyumalin, Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Maley Jalleh, Senior Presidential Advisor Dr. Augustine Konneh, Presidential Legal Advisor Bushuben Keita, Director of the Cabinet Nathaniel T. Kwabo and Deputy Minister of State for Public Affairs Anthony V. Kesselly.
