Medical students here are demanding five months’ stipend arrears from government, threatening to protest if their demand is not met.
By Stephen G. Fellajuah
Monrovia, Liberia, December 18, 2024 – Over 450 medical students from the University of Liberia (UL), including the School of Pharmacy and the A.M. Dogliotti College of Medicines, are threatening to protest if government does not address five months of stipend arrears.
The government is responsible for providing a monthly stipend of US$200 to each student to help subsidize their education at these public medical institutions. However, the students claim that no payments have been made for the last five months, leading to severe financial strain.
The situation worsened after three months of unsuccessful negotiations, prompting the students to gather at the residence of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai in the Rehab community, Paynesville, on December 17, 2024, demanding action.
Dennis Blay, President of the Liberia Medical Students Association and of the A.M. Dogliotti School of Medicine, explains that the stipend is vital for the students’ well-being, as their studies are full-time, and the stipend covers their basic living expenses.
“We have followed up with the University of Liberia and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. As it stands, the Ministry of Finance has closed its books for the year”, Student Blay explains.
According to the Ministry of Finance, they now claim limited funds despite initial discussions about processing the stipends. They have decided to pay only one month’s stipend, asking the students to waive the remaining four months. According to Blay, this decision has triggered widespread frustration among the students.
“The information we received from the budget office is that there is only one month, and we have to waive the remaining four months, which the students are unwilling to do. This stipend is for our upkeep, and we rely on it to make it through the month”, Blay insists.
The students, unable to get redress through regular channels, have now committed to ongoing protests at the President’s residence until the matter is resolved.
Hnoede L. Brownell, President of the Pharmacy Students Association, adds that due to the full-time nature of their studies, students cannot take on jobs. She notes that the stipend is essential, especially since the dormitory does not accommodate all students, and many face additional expenses such as rentals.
“This is unfair. It is important that we receive the full five months because that is the only way we can meet our needs,” Brownell says, suggesting that they will continue protesting if the government does not address their concerns.
Meanwhile, frustration is growing among healthcare workers across the country over inadequate pay. Specialized doctors have also voiced dissatisfaction with the government’s refusal to offer better wages.
Additionally, the Assembly of Liberian Health Professionals, including major associations like the Liberia Nurses Association and the Liberia Medical and Dental Association, recently condemned the government’s decision to implement a US$50 salary top-up for health workers, calling it a violation of the Health Sector Pay Grade and Salary Reclassification Policy. The group also threatened a nationwide strike unless the government’s move is revisited. Editing by Jonathan Browne
