The Board of Directors and Executives of the University of Liberia Alumni Association in the Americas (ULIBAAA) has expressed grave concern over the persistent funding crisis and cycle of violence plaguing the University of Liberia. This situation does not only undermine the nation’s highest institution of learning but also jeopardizes the future of its students and the country as a whole. For decades, the University of Liberia has endured a pattern of chronic neglect and underfunding by successive governments.
This historical underinvestment has created an environment of systemic challenges, including deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate resources for research and teaching, and a failure to provide competitive salaries and benefits for faculty. The recent decision to make undergraduate tuition free, while well-intentioned, has exacerbated the issues without a commensurate increase in government subsidy, placing a heavy burden on the university's already strained operational budget.
This policy, without a sustainable funding model, has contributed to a decline in the quality and delivery of essential services. Moreso, consistent and stable leadership is essential to the long-term viability of the university. Over the past two years, the University of Liberia has had three different presidents. Such frequent leadership changes not only foster academic uncertainties and undermine public confidence. Donor and partnership nonchalance, thereby hindering academic and institutional progress.
ULIBAAA said it is troubled by the counter-intuitive and destructive nature of student-led protests and vehemently condemns the resort to violence and the destruction of property. This culture of violence is at odds with the demands for a better educational environment and only serves to further destabilize the institution. We must also acknowledge the crucial role of the faculty in this challenging situation. Faculty members are the intellectual and moral backbone of the university. Their tireless efforts, often under dire circumstances, are what keep the institution functioning. However, their welfare and dignity have been consistently ignored, leading to recent boycotts and protests.
We urge the Government of Liberia and the University administration to engage in good-faith negotiations to address the faculty's long-standing concerns, including salary arrears and the need for improved benefits. A stable and well-supported faculty is indispensable to maintaining a culture of intellectualism and scholarship. ULIBAAA has therefore advanced several recommendations to Government in the interest of the University of Liberia:
Develop a Sustainable Funding Plan; Provide a substantial and predictable increase in budgetary support for the University of Liberia; Invest in Infrastructure and Resources; Allocate funds for the rehabilitation of campus facilities, libraries, and laboratories to create a conducive learning environment. Others include immediate and peaceful resolution all outstanding issues with the UL Faculty, including the payment of all arrears and the establishment of a fair Collective Bargaining Agreement; Promote Peaceful Dialogue and Foster a culture of dialogue and non-violent engagement to address grievances, discouraging the destructive cycle of violence.
