Cooper, who claimed to have graduated from the state-run institution, expressed his disappointment after learning about the revocation of his degree through social media, rather than receiving direct communication from the university.
NIMBA COUNTY – Commerce Inspector General, Dorr Cooper, has condemned the University of Liberia’s (UL) decision to revoke his degree, accusing the university’s administration of mishandling the situation.
By Franklin Doloquee, [email protected]
Cooper, who claimed to have graduated from the state-run institution, expressed his disappointment after learning about the revocation of his degree through social media, rather than receiving direct communication from the university.
The controversy arose after the UL’s investigative committee found Cooper guilty of academic fraud, recommending his prosecution. The committee’s report alleged that Cooper paid $10,000 to university staff to impersonate a deceased student, allowing him to illegally obtain an undergraduate degree in Public Administration.
The investigation into Cooper’s academic credentials began when concerns were raised just before the September 10, 2024, commencement ceremony at the Alexander Romeo Horton College of Business and Public Administration.
In an interview with FrontPage Africa, Cooper expressed frustration, stating that he was not given the opportunity to explain himself before the decision was made. “You cannot run an institution on social media. No one informed me about this action, and I only learned about it through social media,” he said.
Cooper, who has held several government positions, including Superintendent of Nimba County and the current Commerce Inspector General, said he is consulting with his lawyer to explore legal options and may file a lawsuit against the university.
Conflicting Information Surrounding Cooper’s Education
Cooper’s educational background has been a topic of controversy. Some residents of Nimba County claim that Cooper is not a high school graduate, while others suggest he completed his education. Despite the conflicting accounts, Cooper has held various government roles, including as City Mayor of Ganta and Development Superintendent.
The situation has sparked widespread frustration among Nimbaians, some of whom have accused the administration of President Joseph Boakai of failing to hold Cooper accountable for what they perceive as a scandal that undermines the country’s education system.
