By Stephen G. Fellajuah
MONROVIA, Liberia, August 6, 2026 – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has directed the University of Liberia (UL) to immediately accelerate the renovation and modernization of its campuses, expressing concern over the slow pace of implementation despite the Government’s allocation of approximately US$6.3 million for the project.
The directive followed a high-level coordination meeting held at the Executive Mansion on Tuesday, August 4, to assess the status of the university’s infrastructure rehabilitation program and identify measures to fast-track the reopening of the institution.
The meeting brought together the Ministers of State for Presidential Affairs, Finance and Development Planning, Public Works, Local Government and Education, along with the University’s administration, Board of Trustees and other key stakeholders.
President Boakai noted that although the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning has processed funding for the renovation program, he has yet to see substantial physical progress on the ground.
He said the meeting was intended to determine the actual status of implementation, identify the causes of the delays and agree on practical measures to accelerate the project.
During the meeting, the University administration outlined a phased renovation strategy that includes the construction of a 25-classroom academic building at the Fendall Campus, modernization of the University’s largest academic building and rehabilitation works at the Capitol Hill and Sinje campuses.
University officials, however, acknowledged that major construction has not yet begun, attributing the delay to procurement-related technical challenges.
Participants agreed that while the long-term modernization plan remains a priority, immediate attention should be given to rehabilitation works affecting student safety and learning conditions, including repairs to roofs, sanitation facilities, water supply systems, sewage infrastructure and structurally deficient buildings before the University’s reopening.
The Ministry of Public Works was tasked with working closely with the University to validate project designs, implementation schedules and technical priorities, while the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning committed to resolving procurement bottlenecks to facilitate the timely commencement of construction.
The Board of Trustees will continue monitoring the project and strengthening coordination among the University’s administration, faculty and staff. The University administration and the Board were also instructed to maintain regular communication with students and faculty on renovation activities and reopening plans.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of an action plan that provides for the immediate establishment of a joint technical team, preparation of a costed and phased implementation program, resolution of procurement challenges and the creation of a coordination committee.
The committee will be co-chaired by the Ministry of Public Works and the University administration, with representatives from the Ministries of Finance and Development Planning, Education and State serving as members.
President Boakai reaffirmed that improving higher education remains a key priority under his Administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, stressing that the Government has fulfilled its financial commitment and expects corresponding urgency in project implementation.
He urged all institutions involved to work collaboratively, eliminate administrative bottlenecks and ensure visible progress without further delay, emphasizing that Liberia’s premier public university must provide students and faculty with a safe, modern and conducive learning environment.
