By Sam S. Kangar
The Student Unification Party (SUP) at the University of Liberia has strongly condemned the administration’s decision to classify the ongoing vacation school as a full academic semester. The party described the move as an “affront” to the student body.
Speaking at a press conference held on July 8, 2025 on the Capitol Hill main campus of the university, SUP Chairman Sylvester Wheeler expressed deep disappointment with the leadership of University President, Dr. Layli Maparyan, citing her failure to address pressing issues affecting students and staff.
Chairman Wheeler warned that SUP can no longer guarantee a “peaceful space” on campus if their demands are not swiftly met.
“We reject the administration’s decision to label vacation school as a second semester,” Wheeler stated. “Vacation school is intended to allow students to take a limited number of courses up to three for undergraduates and two for graduate and professional students. It should never serve as a substitute for a full semester.”
Wheeler also called for a quick resolution to ongoing problems with the university’s add-and-drop process, which has left many students uncertain about their academic standing and at risk of missing grades.
He demanded the public release of an investigative report related to the suspension and dismissal of several UL staff members, including the Vice President for Fiscal Affairs.
He argued that the continued withholding of the report undermines transparency and contradicts President Maparyan’s stated commitment to integrity.
The SUP Chairman further criticized the recent hiring of over 15 new staff members some allegedly connected to USAID while existing underpaid employees continue to be neglected. He labeled the hiring practices as “questionable” and lacking merit-based transparency.
He also condemned the deteriorating condition of the university’s infrastructure, pointing to a shortage of buses, inadequate seating, unsanitary restrooms, and dilapidated buildings as evidence of administrative negligence.
Also speaking at the event, SUP Secretary-General Odecious Mulbah called on President Maparyan to act decisively.
“If these issues are not addressed immediately, the administration should expect more robust actions from the student body,” Mulbah warned.
The UL Authority, including Dr. Maparyan, is yet to respond to SUP’s charges and or demands.
