MONROVIA – The University of Liberia Faculty and Staff Association (ULFASA) has raised an early warning over the ongoing dispute surrounding renovation works at the University of Liberia, accusing the university administration of disregarding a presidential directive that placed the Ministry of Public Works at the center of the renovation process.
In a press statement issued Wednesday, September 9, 2026, ULFASA said it was alarmed by the reported withdrawal of the Ministry of Public Works from the pending renovation works, arguing that the development has created concerns about oversight, value for money and the quality of work being undertaken at the university.
According to the association, a directive issued through a statement from the Office of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on August 5, 2026, made clear that the Ministry of Public Works should be involved in leading the renovation efforts at the University of Liberia. ULFASA, however, claims that the university administration has consistently resisted the ministry’s role despite the presidential directive.
The association further alleges that the President of the University of Liberia has moved to award more than US$4 million to a single company for renovation works despite what ULFASA describes as advice from the Ministry of Public Works. The association did not identify the company in its statement.
ULFASA also alleged that the university administration is finalizing what it described as a “secret deal” that would allow the same company to receive all renovation work contracts through December 31, 2030. The association questioned the arrangement and warned that removing the Ministry of Public Works from its oversight role could create concerns about how the quality and value of the renovation works will be assessed.
“While the renovation of the campus is paramount, the quality of works is not guaranteed,” ULFASA said, arguing that the Ministry of Public Works, which it described as the quality assurer, has been relieved of its responsibility despite the August 5 presidential mandate.
The faculty and staff association is now calling on President Boakai, through the University of Liberia Board of Trustees, to ensure that the university administration immediately adheres to the August 5 directive. ULFASA said such action is necessary to protect resources allocated to the university and ensure that the government and the university receive value for the money being spent on the renovation.
The dispute comes as the university’s physical infrastructure remains a central concern for faculty, staff and students, making the renovation program an important undertaking for the institution. But ULFASA said the need for improved facilities should not come at the expense of proper oversight, transparency and accountability in the use of public resources.
The association said that, as of the issuance of its statement, the disagreement between the University of Liberia administration and the Ministry of Public Works had also produced no clear roadmap outlining the duration of the renovation project, its phases or the specific areas of the university targeted for rehabilitation.
ULFASA said it intends to submit a request for urgent intervention to relevant stakeholders, signaling that it wants the disagreement addressed before the renovation process moves further.
The association’s concerns also extend beyond the renovation dispute. ULFASA rejected comments attributed to University of Liberia President Dr. Layli Maparyan linking the lack of progress to actions by the association.
ULFASA said it had already submitted a matrix and proposed timelines addressing its longstanding concerns to the Chairman and members of the University of Liberia Board of Trustees on August 22, 2026. The association said the same document was also presented to Dr. Maparyan, but claimed that no discussion had subsequently been held on the issues contained in the submission.
The statement was signed by Eric T. S. Patten, Secretary General of the University of Liberia Faculty Association, and Matin Weah II, Secretary General of the University of Liberia Staff Association.
ULFASA urged its members to remain focused and said it would continue providing information and directions as the dispute develops.
