Monrovia, Liberia – Dr. Layli Maparyan, the newly appointed President of the University of Liberia (UL), has pledged to transform the institution into a “beacon of the Republic” as she assumes leadership at a critical juncture in its history. Speaking during a brief media engagement on Thursday, January 9, after meeting President Joseph Nyuma Boakai at the Executive Mansion, Dr. Maparyan expressed her commitment to leading UL into a new era of excellence.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected] and J.H. Webster Clayeh, [email protected]
“I will lead the University of Liberia… I am going to give everything that I have got; everything that I have learned over the last 30 years of my career as an academic and as an administrator. I will solve the problems that will be identified and make everyone feel that the University of Liberia is a beacon of the Republic,” she declared.
President Boakai Expresses Optimism
President Boakai reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing education, expressing confidence in Dr. Maparyan’s ability to steer UL toward transformative growth. Welcoming her appointment, President Boakai remarked, “Liberia is not new to you, and we are excited to have you at the helm of this historic institution.”
He emphasized the importance of aligning UL’s progress with the national priorities outlined in the government’s ARREST Agenda, particularly in education and workforce development. President Boakai also commended the UL Board of Trustees for their rigorous selection process, noting that their unanimous decision reflected a commitment to excellence in leadership.
Challenges Ahead
Dr. Maparyan takes over at a time when UL is grappling with numerous challenges, including unresolved labor disputes and deteriorating infrastructure. Her appointment follows a tumultuous period under the leadership of her predecessor, Dr. Julius Sawolo Nelson, whose tenure was marked by strained relations with the University Faculty Association (ULFA).
Interim President Amb. Al-Hassan Conteh, who succeeded Dr. Nelson, also faced difficulties as ULFA issued a November ultimatum demanding a new president and long-delayed reforms, including improved working conditions and a 40% salary increase promised in 2021. The faculty’s demands resulted in the continued closure of the university, with classes yet to resume for the new academic year.
ULFA’s grievances extend beyond salaries to include delayed payments, inadequate resources, and insufficient office accommodations. The association also called for financial and credentials audits to ensure transparency and accountability within the university.
Optimism and Support
Despite these challenges, Dr. Maparyan’s appointment has sparked hope among various stakeholders.
Meanwhile, ahead of Dr. Maparyan’s induction ceremony today, FrontPage Africa spoke with some Liberians, most of whom expressed optimism about the working of the new UL president.
Dr. Saki Golafale, PhD a Liberian lives in the United States of America: “I think the new president, Dr. Layli Maparyan, represents the new face of the university of Liberia which, per her astute academic and leadership records both in and out of Liberia, is an added value to what we already have at the University. To make the UL one of the best in West Africa, I think, requires a united effort from the faculty, staff, students and the government of Liberia.
I think succeeding at the UL should be a shared responsibility of every stakeholder (major and minor). My message to everyone is to honestly work with the new president to restore a system of order at the UL where everyone diligently honors their called duty without fear or favor. That way, I believe, we can promote a safe and welcoming academic environment for all.
Having known Dr. Layli Maparyan for over a decade, it was no surprise that she was appointed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to serve as the 16th president of the University of Liberia.”
Patience Walker, Studies Public Administration at the University of Liberia: “We want her to make sure that school opens on Monday. She should bring development to the school because of outside experience. We want her to bring some of those instructors she has been working with outside the country.
We want to see a good working relationship between the students and the administration. If her administration is doing things that are beneficial to the University of Liberia’s students we will not have problems working with her administration.
The school system is another thing.
She will not make the change once the people around her are not willing. They have to be willing. So we pray for the best for her administration.”
Uriah Goll, former colleague of Dr. Maparyan: “Dr. Layli Maparyan, I’ve worked with you briefly on the USAID HECA project and found your insights and experience to be unparalleled and invaluable. Congratulations on your appointment. I know you’ll do well. HOWEVER, there is a hurdle on the way. You must break the cartel operating at UL. People there are resistant to change, personalize the system, and care less about efficiency. Please, ensure that the focus isn’t on academics alone. Pay key attention to the operational system including admin, logistics, and most importantly, FINANCE!!!!!!”
Amb. Romeo Fahnbulleh, Co-chair Governmental Affairs emeritus of the Student Unification Party: “I have a huge impression based on the extra value she has as a long-time educator. We want to tell the new president to make the University of Liberia as a place of research center, with a comfortable laboratory science lap. And a good internet facility for all meaningful students.”
Fasu Kromah, residents of Clara Town: “My message to all stakeholders is to collaborate and work in line with one of the best presidents the University has ever had. She is here in competency and has a broad vision in education. All stakeholders at the UL should come together under the spirit of unism or mutual understanding for the common purpose of improving the learning atmosphere at the school.”
However, others expressed caution. Mohammed Deygbe, a political activist, highlighted the government’s history of underfunding the university, warning that inadequate support could hinder Dr. Maparyan’s efforts. He said: “The newly appointed president of the University of Liberia may likely not succeed due to her inability to understand the real issues on ground coupled with limited interest in education by the government of Liberia. The GOL has always failed to provide the needed budgetary support to adequately fund the university. As a result of this, the newly appointed president may get frustrated and may soon be on the plane back to the US. I would suggest that the government of Liberia provide adequate budgetary support for the smooth operation of the U.L. Let me use this medium to encourage the student’s community, faculty members and all stakeholders to join hands with Dr. Maparyan in her quest to make the university second to none. This requires collective efforts.”
Dr. Maparyan’s Vision and Credentials
Dr. Maparyan is a distinguished scholar and administrator with over three decades of experience. She serves as Executive Director of the Wellesley Centers for Women and is a Professor of Africana Studies at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA.
She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Temple University, an M.S. in Psychology from Penn State University, and a B.A. in Philosophy (cum laude) from Spelman College. Married to a Liberian, she officially assumes her duties on January 10, 2025.
As Dr. Maparyan embarks on her tenure, many Liberians express optimism that her leadership will address UL’s longstanding challenges and usher in a transformative era for the university.
