MONROVIA, LIBERIA — The University of Liberia (UL) is struggling with a substantial financial deficit of $4.8 million as it embarks on critical renovation projects and seeks to address pressing faculty needs for the fiscal year 2025.
Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, the acting president of UL, revealed the funding gap during a presentation to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. Speaking at a press briefing in Monrovia, Dr. Conteh detailed the university’s request for $42 million in funding, of which $3.5 million is expected to be generated from internal sources. However, a significant shortfall persists, with urgent expenditures looming for campus renovations and unpaid faculty arrears.
The university’s ambitious renovation plans require $3.9 million to revamp its infrastructure, including classrooms, offices, and restrooms. Another $1 million is earmarked to settle overdue payments to adjunct faculty, many of whom are critical to the institution’s teaching workforce. Additional funds will support the procurement of essential chemicals and equipment for laboratories in science, medical, engineering, and agricultural programs, all aimed at modernizing academic resources and enriching the learning environment.
Faculty salaries and arrears for staff currently pursuing advanced studies are also key priorities in the proposed budget. Dr. Conteh emphasized the institution’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and advancing its reputation as a leading research hub. Among the university’s strategic initiatives is the introduction of doctoral programs in biomedical sciences and education, a move aimed at enhancing Liberia’s academic landscape.
Efforts to improve campus facilities have already borne fruit, with the acquisition of two 17-seater buses for the Straz-Sinje campus in Grand Cape Mount County, a project valued at $79,000. These upgrades align with broader goals to address student concerns and create safer, more supportive learning environments across all campuses.
Dr. Conteh also highlighted his dedication to student engagement, noting that a significant portion of his time has been spent addressing student issues directly. This commitment culminated in the signing of the Fendall Declaration, a product of collaborative dialogue aimed at improving student life and strengthening campus unity.
Despite the financial hurdles, Dr. Conteh reiterated the university’s resolve to maintain momentum toward its ambitious goals. Securing the remaining $4.8 million, he stressed, is vital to sustaining these efforts and realizing UL’s vision of academic excellence, innovation, and leadership in education. The acting president expressed confidence in the institution’s ability to overcome challenges and reaffirmed its mission to provide a world-class academic experience for its students.
