By Aaron B. Nemah
MARYLAND COUNTY, LIBERIA – A controversy between Tubman University President Dr. Olu Menjay and the university’s alumni, led by Thomas Wilbur Davis, is disrupting the academic environment at the state-run institution. The alumni group has issued a 72-hour ultimatum, demanding the restoration of the university’s previous official logo, which was recently changed.
The alumni’s action stems from Dr. Menjay’s alleged involvement in promoting same-sex marriage within the university. This decision was reportedly made public during the 15th commencement ceremony, where Dr. Menjay, a Methodist Bishop, unveiled the university’s new symbol, replacing the original logo.
Thomas Wilbur Davis, a PhD candidate in the United States and president of the Tubman University Alumni Association, has strongly opposed the logo change. He claims that Dr. Menjay made this decision unilaterally, without consulting other faculty members. Davis further alleges that Dr. Menjay’s association with same-sex marriage disqualifies him from continuing to serve as the university’s leader, emphasizing that Tubman University should focus on shaping the future leaders of Liberia while upholding moral and academic excellence.
“Dr. Menjay assumed leadership after the dismissal of former President Dr. Emmanuel Wleh Wilson, who was ousted following complaints from students and staff. Menjay played a role in Wilson’s removal, allegedly with the intention of introducing symbols and doctrines linked to same-sex marriage, commonly accepted in the Western world,” Davis claimed.
In a video statement aired on local radio station Voice of Pleebo 93.5FM, Davis and the alumni threatened to disrupt regular university activities if Dr. Menjay fails to meet their demands within the 72-hour window. They also expressed their intention to escalate their actions should the situation remain unresolved.
Meanwhile, concerned students, who support the alumni’s stance, are calling on the Liberian government, led by President Joseph Boakai, to intervene in order to prevent further disruptions to learning and potential damage to university property by protesters.
