MONROVIA – The Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP) has announced plans to mobilize students and supporters of public education for a protest on August 25, demanding the immediate reopening of the University of Liberia (UL) and calling for the dismissal of Criminal Court “C” Judge Ousman Feika.
By Francis G. Boayue
The student-based political organization, in a statement issued Tuesday under the leadership of its Chairman, Cde. Odecious Mulbah and the 34th Politburo and Central Committee, accused the University of Liberia(UL) Administration, Board of Trustees, and the Government of Liberia(GoL) of failing to address what it described as longstanding administrative, financial, and infrastructural challenges affecting the institution.
SUP said despite the publication of an academic calendar announcing the resumption of classes on August 25, authorities have failed to resolve critical issues that continue to hinder effective academic activities at the country’s premier public university.
The group has alleged that thousands of students are still faced with deteriorating classroom facilities, poor sanitation conditions, inadequate laboratory equipment, limited internet access, insufficient security and the absence of a reliable transportation system between campuses.
“The University of Liberia has become an academic death trap,” SUP Chairman Mulbah stated, arguing that students continue to suffer from conditions that undermine quality learning despite repeated calls for institutional reforms.
He further claimed that the ongoing disagreements involving the University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA), University of Liberia Students Union (ULSU), the Board of Trustees, and the Government of Liberia have placed the academic future of more than 25,000 students in jeopardy.
He said the August 25 gathering at the Capitol Hill Campus will serve as a platform for students, progressive groups, and advocates of public education to demand accountability and the restoration of normal academic operations at the University.
Meanwhile, SUP also criticized the Government of Liberia’s handling of the 12 jurors involved in the criminal trial of former Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. and his co-defendants.
Adding that while the release of the jurors from the Monrovia Central Prison was a positive step toward ending their detention, their subsequent referral to the Ministry of Justice for investigation raises concerns about possible intimidation and the independence of Liberia’s justice system.
SUP argued that jurors must be allowed to perform their constitutional responsibilities without fear of punishment, investigation or retaliation.
The organization expressed concern over what it described as unequal treatment of jurors, warning that such actions could weaken public confidence in the jury system and discourage citizens from participating in judicial proceedings.
The student group called on the Ministry of Justice to discontinue any investigation it believes lacks a clear legal foundation and urged the Government to protect citizens who serve in the country’s justice system.
SUP has also demanded the immediate removal of Judge Ousman Feika from Criminal Court “C,” stating that public confidence in the court’s impartiality has been affected.
The organization warned that it would organize peaceful and lawful democratic actions if it believes government actions continue to undermine judicial independence and constitutional rights.
“The independence of the jury system is fundamental to the rule of law,” SUP Chairman Mulbah stated, reaffirming its commitment to advocating for judicial independence, constitutional governance, and improved conditions at the University of Liberia.
