Speaker Koon Pushes Budgetary Increment for UL

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, has pledged to work with his colleagues in the Legislature to increase the annual budgetary allocation to the University of Liberia (UL), citing the need for greater investment in higher education to drive national development. The University of Liberia, which currently operates on an annual budget of approximately US$34 million, continues to grapple with significant operational challenges, including deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate salaries for faculty and staff, and overcrowded classrooms. 

Speaker Koon emphasized that these challenges must be addressed if the nation’s premier public university is to continue fulfilling its mission of training Liberia’s future leaders. “The University of Liberia is the foundation of our country’s human capital development. We must ensure it has the resources necessary to deliver quality education,” Speaker Koon stated. As part of his personal commitment, the Speaker has launched a private initiative to renovate bathrooms on both the Capitol Hill and Fendell campuses, an intervention aimed at easing pressure on the university administration ahead of the next academic reopening. 

The move follows repeated appeals from students and faculty for improved sanitation facilities across the campuses. In addition to his advocacy for increased funding, Speaker Koon—who also serves as a lecturer in the University’s Master’s Program on a pro bono basis—highlighted the urgent need for more qualified instructors to strengthen the institution’s academic standards. He urged other government officials and professionals with teaching backgrounds to emulate his example by volunteering their time and expertise in the classroom. 

“Our leaders must not only make policies for education but also contribute directly to improving it,” he said. “If more experienced professionals dedicate time to teaching, we can help shape a stronger academic environment for our students.” Speaker Koon reaffirmed the Legislature’s commitment to supporting the University of Liberia’s growth and sustainability through increased public investment in education.