–Dr. Layli Maparyan Says Administration Is Working with Government, Board of Trustees to Address Longstanding Challenges as Faculty and Staff Press Demands
MONROVIA – University of Liberia (UL) President Dr. Layli Maparyan has publicly acknowledged the concerns raised by the University’s faculty and staff, assuring employees that the administration is actively working with the Government of Liberia and the University’s Board of Trustees to address longstanding institutional challenges while appealing for continued dialogue instead of actions that could disrupt academic activities.
In an official statement issued Tuesday, July 21, Dr. Maparyan described the issues raised by the University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA) and the University of Liberia Staff Association (ULSA) as “legitimate concerns,” emphasizing that the challenges confronting Liberia’s premier public university are neither new nor isolated.
The statement comes amid growing tension at the state-owned institution following separate resolutions by ULFA and ULSA highlighting concerns ranging from employee welfare to infrastructure deficiencies and other operational issues affecting the university community.
“As President of the University of Liberia, I acknowledge and affirm the concerns raised by the University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA) and the University of Liberia Staff Association (ULSA) in their recent resolutions,” Dr. Maparyan said.
“These complex challenges—ranging from employee welfare to infrastructure issues and beyond—are not new and they affect our faculty, staff, and the larger UL community every day.”
Government, Board Engaged
Dr. Maparyan disclosed that the University administration has already begun intensive engagements with the University’s Board of Trustees, officials of the Government of Liberia, faculty representatives, and staff leaders to develop concrete solutions to the concerns raised.
According to her, the issues were discussed extensively during emergency Cabinet and Board meetings held on Capitol Hill on Monday, where discussions centered on immediate action items and the way forward.
“The UL Administration under my leadership is working with the Board of Trustees, Government of Liberia officials, and faculty and staff to resolve these matters, which we consider to be legitimate concerns,” she stated.
She acknowledged that while the administration has already made progress in addressing some of the issues, much more work remains to be done.
“While we have been working diligently to resolve many of the challenges outlined, and while some progress has been made, we recognize that much more remains to be done and that our efforts have not yet met the expectations of our colleagues.”
Dr. Maparyan further assured faculty and staff of her commitment to improving working conditions and strengthening the University’s institutional environment.
“As UL President, I assure UL’s faculty and staff of my commitment to achieve results that feel like progress and make UL a better workplace.”
Appeal Against Disruptions
The UL President also cautioned against disengagement from academic and administrative responsibilities, warning that any prolonged disruption would primarily affect students and undermine the University’s educational mission.
“Disengagement from academic and administrative activities at this critical moment is not in the best interest of our students, our faculty and staff, or the nation we serve,” she said.
“The University of Liberia is a beacon of hope for thousands of young people, and we cannot allow disruption to undermine our educational mission.”
She called on faculty and staff to continue engaging constructively with the administration and the Government of Liberia, expressing confidence that sustained dialogue would produce lasting solutions.
“We must solve these challenges together. Through dialogue and concerted action, we can find lasting solutions that strengthen the university for generations to come.”
Growing Pressure on UL Leadership
Dr. Maparyan’s statement follows increasing pressure from both the University’s faculty and staff associations, which have recently adopted resolutions calling attention to concerns over employee welfare, institutional conditions, and broader operational challenges affecting the country’s oldest and largest public university.
The concerns have fueled discussions among university stakeholders and prompted engagements involving the University’s governing board and senior government officials as efforts continue to prevent disruptions to academic activities.
The University of Liberia, established in 1862 as Liberia College before becoming the University of Liberia, serves thousands of students across multiple campuses and remains the country’s flagship public institution of higher learning. As such, any interruption to its academic calendar carries significant implications for students, faculty, and Liberia’s broader education sector.
Dr. Maparyan’s latest appeal signals the administration’s intention to resolve the impasse through dialogue and collaboration while maintaining normal academic and administrative operations.
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