MONROVIA – The University of Liberia (UL) has announced the reopening of its campuses on Monday, September 8, 2025, following days of tense protests by the Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP) and the University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA) against the administration of Dr. Layli Maparyan. The demonstrations, which paralyzed academic activities, centered on grievances over poor learning conditions, delayed salaries, and what protesters described as weak administrative leadership.
In a statement issued Sunday, September 7, and signed by UL Relations, the administration said the reopening is intended to restore order and resume the academic calendar. “The University of Liberia, under the leadership of Dr. Layli Maparyan, welcomes all new and returning students,” the statement read, while urging students and faculty to use official communication platforms for updates.
The administration further announced that the Vice President for Academic Affairs will release a revised academic calendar on reopening day. The new schedule includes orientation for incoming and transfer students beginning Wednesday, September 10, with details from the Vice President for Student Affairs. Normal classes are slated to restart on Monday, September 15, subject to confirmation on or before Friday, September 12.
But SUP has intensified its criticism of Dr. Maparyan, calling for her immediate resignation just seven months into her administration. The student group accused her of failing to address the university’s deteriorating state, pointing to bathrooms in poor condition and campus buildings left unpainted. “SUP calls on Dr. Layli Maparyan’s immediate resignation because she has failed the University after seven months in her administration,” the group declared, stressing that UL deserves leadership capable of delivering tangible improvements.
For her part, Dr. Maparyan has not signaled any intention of stepping down, dismissing the push for her resignation as based on allegations rather than substantive grounds.
At the same time, ULFA joined the wave of discontent, pressing for the settlement of unpaid salaries and benefits owed to faculty members. ULFA leaders insisted that without addressing these financial constraints, academic staff would remain demoralized and the quality of education at the nation’s flagship university would continue to decline.
The coming days will be critical as students, faculty, and the administration test whether reopening the university will ease tensions or regenerate protests should longstanding demands remain unaddressed.
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