MONROVIA – The University of Liberia Faculty and Staff Association (ULFASA) has rejected recent statements issued by University President Dr. Layli Maparyan concerning deans, directors and chairpersons, while challenging the purported endorsement of the University’s Human Resource Manual and demanding her immediate resignation.
In a press statement issued Thursday, July 30, ULFASA accused Dr. Maparyan of exercising powers that, according to the association, are not granted under the University of Liberia Charter and By Laws.
The association also condemned what it described as a “PRC styled” communication from the University administration and reaffirmed its vote of no confidence in Dr. Maparyan.
ULFASA said the University’s Charter and By Laws clearly establish the respective roles, responsibilities and procedures governing the institution, arguing that no individual officer should assume powers beyond those provisions.
The association specifically challenged Dr. Maparyan’s alleged attempt to determine whether University employees may associate or disassociate from employee organizations, arguing that such action violates the Constitution of Liberia and workers’ fundamental rights.
“ULFASA vehemently rejects” the statements attributed to Dr. Maparyan, the association said, while calling on faculty and staff to disregard what it described as threats against University personnel.
A major point of contention is the University of Liberia Human Resource Manual.
ULFASA argued that the authority to develop and approve the University’s handbook of rules and regulations rests within the governance structures established by the University’s Charter and By Laws.
The association cited Article II, Section 4 of the By Laws, particularly the provision establishing the Rules Committee, as outlining the procedure for developing and approving the HR Manual. It also referenced Article III, Section 4, which defines the functions of the University Council in the governance of the institution.
ULFASA further argued that although the University of Liberia Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for the institution, the By Laws distinguish between the authority of the full Board and that of individual committees.
According to the association, Article II, Section 5 provides that the full Board must meet at least twice a year and that, while the Board may operate through committees, policy and program decisions are reserved for the full Board.
ULFASA therefore described the purported endorsement of the HR Manual by a Board committee as “ultra vires,” meaning an action taken beyond legally or institutionally granted authority.
The dispute has now escalated into a direct challenge to the University administration, with ULFASA reaffirming a resolution adopted by its General Assembly and ordering faculty and staff to remain disengaged from academic and administrative activities.
The association instructed faculty and staff to stay away from all academic and staff activities until what it described as the wishes of the General Assembly are fulfilled.
“All offices and academic units must remain closed,” ULFASA declared.
The association also warned supervisors and directors against attempting to compel academic or administrative staff to disregard the directive, asking members to report any such attempts to its leadership for action.
The latest development deepens an ongoing governance dispute at Liberia’s oldest degree granting institution and places further pressure on the University administration to address questions surrounding institutional authority, employee representation and the approval of internal regulations.
ULFASA urged faculty and staff to rely on its leadership for official updates and further instructions as the dispute continues.
The statement was signed by Eric T. S. Patten, Secretary General of the University of Liberia Staff Association, and E. Martin Weah II, Secretary General of the University of Liberia Faculty Association.
