MONROVIA – A nationwide shutdown of rural universities and colleges is imminent as the Rural Universities and Colleges Faculty Association of Liberia (RUCEFAL) has announced an indefinite strike beginning September 24, 2025, in protest of persistent salary disparities and poor working conditions. The move threatens to paralyze higher education across nine counties, leaving thousands of students stranded.
The faculty union says the action is a direct response to the Government of Liberia’s failure to address persistent salary disparities and poor working conditions at rural institutions compared to their counterparts at the University of Liberia (UL) and William V.S. Tubman University.
The decision was reached during an Emergency General Assembly held virtually on September 11, with representatives from nine institutions in attendance: Grand Bassa University, Bomi County Community College, Bong County Technical College, Lofa County University, Grand Gedeh University College, Grand Kru University, Margibi University, Nimba University, and Sinoe County Community College.
In a statement, RUCEFAL expressed frustration over what it called a “lack of substantive commitment” from both the Executive Branch and the National Legislature despite months of engagement.
The association cited a series of failed attempts to resolve the matter:
- A petition to President Joseph Nyumah Boakai on February 12, urging his intervention.
- A review conducted by the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE), with recommendations submitted to the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs between March and May.
- Follow-ups with Acting Minister of State Hadja Mamaka Bility in August.
- Meetings with Rep. Nyahn G. Flomo, Chair of the House Committee on Education, and Sen. Nathaniel F. McGill, Chair of the Senate Committee on Education.
Despite these efforts, RUCEFAL says no tangible action has been taken.
The group is demanding the establishment of a Collective Bargaining Agreement to standardize salaries and benefits across public higher institutions. It argues that faculty at rural colleges deserve pay and incentives commensurate with their qualifications and service.
RUCEFAL also presented a budgetary analysis showing that the nine rural institutions currently receive USD 9.4 million, with USD 5.6 million for salaries. The association says an additional USD 6.5 million is needed to close equity gaps and fund essential operations.
Beyond salary parity, RUCEFAL is calling for transportation and housing support, life insurance, research allowances, relocation incentives for faculty in remote areas, and a rural faculty development program.
The group has instructed all academic staff at affiliated institutions to suspend academic activities and stay away from campuses starting September 24. The strike, RUCEFAL says, will remain in force “until our demands are met.” If carried out, the action could paralyze rural colleges and universities nationwide, disrupting thousands of students’ education and escalating pressure on the government to respond.
