MONROVIA: The Brewerville-based youth advocacy group, Youth United for Progress and Action (YOPA), has praised the National Port Authority (NPA) for what it calls a timely and transformative intervention in addressing the long-standing seating shortage at the University of Liberia (UL).
The commendation follows NPA’s announcement on September 29, 2025, of a US$25,000 contribution toward procuring chairs for students at the state-owned university. The Port Authority, under the leadership of Managing Director Sekou Hussein Dukuly, also pledged to spearhead a broader mobilization effort to raise at least US$1 million within six months for UL.
In a statement issued in Monrovia, YOPA Chairman Victor Walker said the intervention demonstrates the NPA’s commitment to national development and youth empowerment through education.
“We are grateful to Managing Director Dukuly and his team for their farsightedness. This intervention is not just about chairs, but about restoring dignity to students and reaffirming that education remains at the heart of Liberia’s development,” YOPA said.
The pledge came during a high-level meeting between Dr. Layli Maparyan, President of UL, and Mr. Dukuly at the NPA headquarters, where discussions focused on finding lasting solutions to the university’s infrastructure and resource challenges.
YOPA further lauded Dukuly’s plan for future collaboration between NPA and UL, particularly in capacity-building initiatives to train NPA staff and support the university’s professional development goals.
The group also highlighted Dukuly’s advocacy for women in leadership, describing it as “a progressive stance that aligns with global best practices.”
“Research has shown that when women rise to leadership, they strengthen institutions, improve social programs, and inspire the next generation. For the NPA to champion this vision is commendable,” YOPA emphasized.
According to the youth group, the NPA’s pledge to rally businesses and port partners for UL’s support sends a powerful message that national institutions must contribute to building an enabling learning environment for Liberia’s young people.
YOPA concluded by urging Liberians from all walks of life to back the NPA’s mobilization drive, stressing that a strong UL is central to nation-building and preparing future leaders.
