CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia — The University of Liberia has officially announced that its 105th graduation convocation will be held from February 23 to February 28, 2026, following key decisions taken at the Faculty Senate meeting held on Tuesday, January 14.
According to highlights from the meeting in which the decision was reached, the final list of candidates eligible for the historic convocation will be submitted to the University’s Board of Trustees on February 6, marking a critical administrative step toward the commencement of graduation activities.
Graduation Schedule and Presidential Attendance
As is customary, the Amos C. Sawyer College will lead the convocation exercises, with its graduation slated for Monday, February 23. The full joint commencement ceremony for all colleges is scheduled for February 28, an event that will be graced by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who has formally confirmed his attendance.
University officials described the President’s participation as a reflection of the national importance attached to higher education and institutional reforms at Liberia’s flagship public university.
Graduation Applications: Sharp Drop at Sawyer College
The Senate meeting revealed sobering graduation statistics, particularly at Sawyer College. While 220 students applied for graduation, only 16 candidates have so far been cleared by the Faculty Senate. University-wide, a total of 2,011 students have applied to participate in the February convocation.
Faculty leaders emphasized that the low clearance rate underscores the University’s renewed insistence on academic rigor and compliance with graduation requirements.
Zero Tolerance for “NG” Grades
In one of the meeting’s strongest directives, the UL President issued a stern warning against the abuse of “NG” (No Grade) entries. She urged faculty members to award students grades they have earned, whether pass or fail, stressing that “NG” grades undermine academic integrity and delay student progression.
The Senate also mandated strict adherence to grading deadlines:
- Exams administered this week must have grades submitted by Monday, January 19;
- Exams scheduled for next week must be graded by January 26;
- Final grade submissions close on February 3, 2026.
Academic Planning and Course Controls
To prevent overcrowding and academic dilution, chairpersons were instructed not to open additional course sections beyond those already approved. Departments are also required to submit their second semester 2026 course schedules to the Schedule Office no later than Monday, January 19.
Thesis Defense Begins at Sawyer College
Meanwhile, academic activities continue at full pace. The Amos C. Sawyer College will begin its thesis defense exercises on Wednesday, January 14, at the Thelma E. Duncan Sawyer Faculty Lounge in Fendall. Twenty candidates from the Social Work Unit are expected to defend their theses.
The deadline for submission of theses, capstones, and research projects under the College is Friday, January 23. Students must submit final, supervisor- and chairperson-signed copies to the Dean’s Office before being scheduled for defense.
Faculty Payments and Payroll Processing
On the administrative front, the University announced that payments for part-time faculty, overloads, and vacation school instructors are expected to commence on Wednesday, January 14. Affected faculty members are required to submit their U.S. dollar account details to the Budget and Finance Office (BFO), except those who have already done so.
All part-time and overload contracts must be fully signed and submitted before classes resume. Chairpersons were further instructed to ensure that credentials—including degrees, transcripts, and CVs—are attached for newly hired part-time faculty.
Additionally, the January 2026 payroll is scheduled for submission to the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning by Thursday, prompting departments to promptly validate payrolls with the Human Resources Office.
A Push for Discipline and Credibility
University administrators say the resolutions from Tuesday’s Faculty Senate meeting signal a broader push toward discipline, transparency, and academic credibility as the institution prepares for one of its most closely watched graduation exercises in recent years.
With firm deadlines, tighter oversight, and presidential attention, the University of Liberia appears determined to ensure that its 105th graduation convocation reflects earned merit, institutional reform, and renewed confidence in public higher education.
