MONROVIA, Liberia – Amid an escalating controversy surrounding academic honors at the University of Liberia’s Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, prominent lawyer and law lecturer Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe has issued a formal statement distancing himself from a disputed social media post and reaffirming confidence in the university’s internal review process.
The clarification comes in the wake of public accusations by activist Martin K. N. Kollie questioning the academic ranking of Ms. Izetta Jones Howe, who graduated with honors and was recognized among the top-performing students of the LL.B. program. Howe has since responded forcefully to the allegations and has reportedly threatened legal action seeking up to US$4 million in damages for what she describes as reputational harm.
Gongloe Accepts Responsibility for Premature Post
In his official statement, Gongloe explained that a communication was posted on his official Facebook page by a member of his administrative team before the University of Liberia concluded its internal review of academic standings.
According to Gongloe, the post relied on information circulating among journalists and informal sources and was published prematurely.
“I accepted full responsibility for the negative effect of the post and instructed the administrator to remove it,” Gongloe stated, emphasizing that the university had not yet released official information confirming the ranks of graduates at the time of publication.
He disclosed that he first became aware of the post when student Abraham Zaqi brought it to his attention at the Law School in the presence of other graduating students.
While noting that he does not believe there was any deliberate effort by his administrator to mislead the public or prejudice any student, Gongloe acknowledged that the timing of the post created “unnecessary and avoidable misunderstanding.”
Reaffirming the Official Authority of UL
Gongloe was unequivocal in stating that only the University of Liberia Administration is authorized to release official academic information.
“Let me conclude that the UL Administration is the only authorized source of all information about the university,” he emphasized.
His remarks appear aimed at calming tensions following widespread online debate over the designation of honors at the Law School.
Recognition of Honor Graduates
In his statement, Gongloe also expressed pride in the law students he taught who graduated with academic distinction this year.
He identified six graduates who received honors, explaining that:
- Double asterisks (**) indicate Magna Cum Laude (second-level honor).
- Single asterisks (*) denote Cum Laude (third-level honor).
Among those listed was Ms. Izetta Jones Howe, who graduated Magna Cum Laude. Gongloe described the honors as reflecting “sustained academic excellence, intellectual discipline, cumulative performance, and adherence to the rigorous standards of the LL.B. program.”
He further noted that while some students did not meet the formal criteria for honors, many performed exceptionally well.
“I have no doubt that my colleagues at the law school share the same conclusion with me that all these students performed exceptionally well,” he stated.
Background to the Dispute
The controversy began after public commentary questioned the accuracy and transparency of the Law School’s honors designation, particularly regarding Howe’s ranking.
In a detailed response, Howe rejected the allegations as false and defamatory, asserting that her academic record speaks for itself. She warned that she is prepared to pursue legal remedies, including a reported US$4 million damages claim, to protect her professional reputation.
The University of Liberia has since indicated that its processes for determining academic honors are guided by established institutional rules and that official communications will be issued through appropriate administrative channels.
Protecting Institutional Integrity
Gongloe’s intervention is being viewed as an effort to reinforce procedural fairness and safeguard institutional credibility amid heightened public scrutiny.
Observers say the episode underscores the sensitivity surrounding academic recognition at Liberia’s premier public law school, where honors distinctions carry significant professional implications.
By accepting responsibility for the premature social media post and reiterating that only official university channels can confirm academic standings, Gongloe sought to draw a clear line between speculation and verified institutional pronouncements.
As debate continues online, stakeholders are calling for restraint, due process, and respect for academic institutions’ established procedures—while the legal dimensions of the dispute between Howe and her accuser appear poised to unfold in court.
Follow The Liberian Post on Facebook and X (formerly twitter)
