Former President George Weah has responded to critics who claim he did nothing for the University of Liberia during his time in office, pointing to personal contributions he made long before his presidency. Speaking in reference to a viral social media post showing UL students riding in the back of a truck, Weah said the image reminded him of his own past support for the institution.“Since 1847, the first bus the University of Liberia was using, I bought it. I did it when I was playing for Monaco,” Weah said.
The former president, who played for AS Monaco from 1988 to 1992, argued that his support for UL students predates his political career.
“Nathaniel McGill was one of my students I was supporting at the University of Liberia. Samuel Tweah, Pepsi Yekeh, Safua Mai Gray were people on my scholarship,” he added. Weah listed several prominent figures he says benefited from his personal sponsorship, including current Senator Nathaniel McGill, former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah, former lawmaker Saah Joseph “Pepsi” Yekeh, and Montserrado County Superintendent Safua Mai Gray. “I have done a lot for people in the education sector, including for doctors and lawyers,” Weah said. The comments come amid ongoing debate about the state of public education and transport for UL students.
The social media post Weah referenced showed students packed into a truck, sparking criticism of government investment in student welfare. Weah served as Liberia’s 25th President from 2018 to 2024. He has not held public office since leaving the Executive Mansion. The University of Liberia, founded in 1862, is the country’s oldest degree-granting institution. Transport remains a major challenge for many of its students across campuses in Monrovia and Fendall.
