President Boakai announced that critical measures will be taken by his administration to address longstanding challenges, including faculty arrears, campus renovations, and the enhancement of learning resources.
Fendall, Montserrado-President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., pledged his administration’s revitalization of zing Liberia’s premier institution of higher learning, the University of Liberia.
By Willie N. Tokpah/0777039231
During the investiture of Dr. Layl, I Maparyan as the 16th President of the University, held on Fendall Campus on Friday, January 11, President Boakai announced that critical measures will be taken by his administration to address longstanding challenges, including faculty arrears, campus renovations, and the enhancement of learning resources.
President Boakai, who also serves as the University’s Visitor, said these immediate steps to resolve urgent issues Facultyde,
Faculty salaries in which he directed the Minister of Finance to settle the outstanding arrears of adjunct faculty and ensure all faculty are paid up to date, Campus Renovation, and now the buses for Straz-Sinje Campus.
To address this, he said renovations across the University’s four campuses will commence shortly, following a comprehensive assessment by the Ministry of Public Works.
These works, estimated at $13.18 million, will include building repairs and the construction of concrete-paved access roads, while two new 17-seater buses, worth $79,000, were unveiled to ease transportation challenges for faculty and students at the Straz-Sinje campus in Grand Cape Mount County.
Speaking to the University community, President Boakai reaffirmed his commitment to improving the institution, stating: “Our future leaders deserve the best learning environment as they prepare to compete globally. My administration is fully dedicated to restoring the University of Liberia to its rightful place as a leading institution in Africa.”
For her part, Dr. Layli Maparyan, a distinguished social scientist and professor of gender studies, was formally inducted as the 16th President of the University of Liberia.
Her appointment followed a rigorous international search led by the University’s Board of Trustees.
In her inaugural address, Dr. Maparyan highlighted her vision for the University, emphasizing inclusivity, innovation, and global engagement. She expressed deep gratitude to the Presidential Search Committee and pledged to work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to restore the University’s prominence.
“Liberia’s university system is one of the cornerstones of West African higher education. Together, we will build on the legacies of those who came before us, striving for even greater success,” Dr. Maparyan averred.
Outgoing Acting President of the University of Liberia Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh delivering a detailed report on his tenure, outlined key achincludingclude ding the resumption of academic activities, which had been disrupted in previous months, Successful graduation of 2,685 students during the 104th Commencement Convocation and Collaboration with international partners to launch initiatives such as the University Innovation Pod (UniPod) and a biomedical sciences doctoral program.
At the same time, Dr. Conteh also highlighted ongoing challenges, including, Financial constraints, with a $4.8 million budget gap for FY 2025.
He further named infrastructure deficits, including inadequate classrooms, laboratories, and campus facilities as major challenges still faced by UL, which are yet to be addressed.
In his farewell message, Dr. Conteh expressed optimism about the incoming administration, noting that Dr. Maparyan’s leadership and international expertise would be pivotal in addressing these challenges.
As part of the ceremony, President Boakai was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of his contributions to national development and education.
President Boakai and Dr. Maparyan, in separate remarks, called on stakeholders, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and international partners, to unite in supporting the University’s mission.
Meanwhile, following the induction of Dr. Maparyan, classes for the new academic year are set to resume on Monday, January 13.
Dr. Maparyan has meanwhile maintained that her focus remains on addressing challenges, seizing opportunities, and fostering a brighter future for Liberia’s flagship institution of higher learning, as the University embarks on this new chapter.
