By Lincoln G. Peters
CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia, July 30, 2026 – University of Liberia (UL) President Dr. Layli Maparyan has warned that members of the university’s administration who participate in or support the ongoing faculty go-slow action could face disciplinary measures, including suspension, loss of administrative positions, or dismissal.
The warning comes as faculty members continue a go-slow campaign demanding that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai remove Dr. Maparyan, accusing her of mismanaging the university and failing to address longstanding institutional challenges.
The protest, however, has exposed divisions within the university community. While some faculty members are calling for her immediate dismissal, a group of adjunct faculty members has publicly endorsed her leadership and urged that she remain in office.
In a memorandum dated July 29, 2026, titled “Clarification of Responsibilities of UL Administration,” Dr. Maparyan reminded academic and administrative officials that members of the university’s administration have a legal obligation to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the institution.
The memo was addressed to academic deans, directors, deputy directors, chairpersons, administrative associate vice presidents, the comptroller, and the chief accountant, with copies circulated to members of the UL Cabinet.
According to Dr. Maparyan, the University’s Charter and Bylaws designate the President, vice presidents, associate vice presidents, comptroller, chief accountant, deans, associate deans, academic directors, administrative directors, deputy directors, and department heads as Officers of Administration and Instruction.
She said these officials collectively constitute the University of Liberia Administration and are a distinct category of employees separate from faculty and staff, even when some administrators also hold academic appointments or teach overload courses.
“The UL Administration is charged with governing and managing the University under the supervision of the Board of Trustees through its Executive Officer, the President of the University of Liberia,” the memorandum stated.
Dr. Maparyan said the administration is responsible for ensuring that the university fulfills its statutory educational mandate, as outlined in Article I, Section 1, of the University Charter, which provides that the institution “shall be perpetually maintained in this Republic for the education of the people of this and of other countries, and for all who seek its advantages.”
Based on that responsibility, she said members of the administration are expected to remain on duty and should neither vote in University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA) or University of Liberia Staff Association (ULSA) elections nor participate in faculty- or staff-led strikes, go-slow actions, or work stoppages.
She warned that any administrator found participating in, aiding, or abetting such actions would receive a formal warning to be placed in his or her personnel file.
“More severe cases, in which members of UL Administration are found to have aided in the disruption of normal activities at the University, may be subject to more severe penalties, such as suspension, revocation of administrative title, or termination, in accordance with applicable law,” Dr. Maparyan wrote.
She also reminded university administrators that the Decent Work Act, the Civil Service Standing Orders, and the National Code of Conduct for All Public Officials and Employees contain provisions governing work stoppages and other forms of industrial action.
“As government employees, members of UL Administration are cautioned to abide by these laws so as not to undermine the University’s ability to deliver on its educational mission,” she said.
