MONROVIA – The Executive Director of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), Mr. Anderson D. Miamen, has criticized the Government of Liberia over its handling of the ongoing crisis at the University of Liberia (UL), saying authorities should take responsibility instead of blaming students.
In a statement issued Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Miamen argued that the government has consistently offered “lip-service” in funding the institution, which he described as the country’s only public university serving the educational needs of the majority of Liberians.
“Blame the Government of Liberia for lip-service in funding the University of Liberia and not the students for demanding their rights to good quality and modern education,” Miamen wrote.
He acknowledged that UL students sometimes take extreme actions such as damaging properties, but said their frustrations stem from years of neglect. “This is somehow understandable, as it results from increased dissatisfaction with the way government negligently treats the institution,” he said.
Miamen condemned the recent decision by UL’s Board of Trustees to ban student politics, calling it a misguided move. “Don’t blame the students for what has been happening, then and now. Don’t ban student politics for reasons that are attributable to the government and very lawmakers who chair the board of trustees of the institution. Instead, blame the government of Liberia, especially the Presidency and Lawmakers, for not mustering the courage to sustainably deal with the self-induced funding, infrastructure, and other challenges faced by the University,” he stated.
He further questioned why the government has failed to adequately invest in the university despite decades of complaints from the faculty association. “What is so big about transforming this one university into a modern, technology-driven, and regionally and globally competitive institution? What is so big about giving 45 or 50 million USD to the only Monrovia-based public university, which is catering to the educational needs of practically the entire country?” he asked.
According to him, the university’s infrastructure is outdated and requires a long-term plan to meet 21st-century learning needs. He suggested that the government reduce wasteful spending on high-ranking officials and redirect funds to strengthen public education. “Cut wastes in other sectors and on other budget lines, including those of the President, Vice President, Speaker, Chief Justice and other officials of government and adequately fund the University. Cut the budget of the heads and board members of public corporations and adequately fund the University and other public learning institutions,” Miamen stressed.
He concluded by urging the government to act decisively to resolve the university’s persistent challenges rather than scapegoating students. “Don’t scapegoat the students. The government should blame itself for the issues at the University and act to find lasting solutions,” he said.
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