SINJE, GRAND CAPE MOUNT COUNTY – University of Liberia President Prof. Dr. Layli Maparyan has pledged to address pressing concerns raised by students during a one-day working visit to the David A. Stratz-Sinje Technical and Vocational College in western Liberia. Dr. Maparyan led a high-level management team to the Sinje campus on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, as part of efforts to assess academic conditions and chart a path for the institution’s growth.
Greeted by enthusiastic students, the UL delegation held strategic meetings with college authorities and toured key facilities, including academic buildings, laboratories, dormitories, and administrative offices. The visit provided a firsthand view of the challenges facing the college, which offers Associate Degrees in agriculture, education, and engineering.
In a frank discussion with student representatives, several concerns were raised, including the lack of updated textbooks, inadequate lab equipment, poor dormitory conditions, transportation issues, limited internet access, and high graduation fees. Most notably, students expressed dissatisfaction over the college’s current academic offerings, which stop at the associate level. They urged the university to upgrade the curriculum to include bachelor’s degree programs, arguing that they pay similar fees as students at the bachelor’s level but receive fewer academic benefits.
Some students explained that relocating to Monrovia to complete their education has forced many to abandon their studies due to housing difficulties and financial constraints.
Dr. Maparyan acknowledged the students’ frustrations and assured them that her administration is committed to improving conditions at the Sinje campus. She described the call for bachelor’s programs as valid and said it will be carefully considered. However, she stressed that any curriculum expansion would maintain a strong focus on technical and vocational education and training (TVET), which she described as essential to Liberia’s development.
“You have a lot to contribute to the development of yourself, your family, your community, and your country,” she told the students, encouraging them to continue pursuing academic excellence despite the obstacles.
Founded in 2012 by the late American philanthropist David A. Stratz, the Sinje College was established to expand access to higher education in the western region of Liberia. Since its inception, the college has graduated over 500 students, many of whom have gone on to pursue further studies at the University of Liberia and other institutions.
