By: Sylvester Choloplay
UL Fendall Campus, Liberia – January 11, 2025:
Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, the immediate former Acting President of the University of Liberia (UL), has categorically refuted allegations that his administration mismanaged over $34 million earmarked for campus renovations.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with Spoon TV Reporter, Sylvester Choloplay, at the UL Fendall Campus on January 10, 2025, he provided a detailed account of his administration’s stewardship, while shedding light on the challenges and progress achieved under his brief tenure.
Dr. Conteh clarified that the University of Liberia did not receive funds for the renovation of its facilities during his short time as Acting President. Instead, he emphasized that his role, alongside the Interim Management Team, was to identify infrastructure deficits, formulate budgets for renovations, and present recommendations to the government.
Clarifying Allegations of Financial Mismanagement!!
Responding to media reports, particularly from Spoon Network, alleging that his administration received $34 million for which some portion was to be used for campus renovations, Dr. Conteh stated:
“As Acting President, I did not receive money non my administration received funds intended for renovations. The university’s 2024 budget amounted to a little over $33 million, which was controlled by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. Of that, 80% was allocated to personnel costs, including salaries for instructors and faculty members, while the remaining 20% went towards maintaining university facilities and purchasing fuel or gasoline.”
He noted that for the past nine years, UL has received no operational funding, with most of its budget directed toward salaries. Additionally, insufficient funds resulted in delays in payments to some part-time instructors.
Renovation Plans and Budget Assessment!!!
On the issue of renovation, Dr. Conteh disclosed that an assessment conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works estimated a total of $13.1 million needed to renovate all campuses of the University of Liberia. Of this amount he said: $3.92 million was allocated for building renovations, $9.25 million was budgeted for the construction of access roads using concrete pavement.
“We identified the structural weaknesses of the university’s infrastructure and prepared a comprehensive plan to address them. However, there were no funds provided for renovations during my tenure,” he reiterated.
Achievements Under His Interim Leadership!!!
According to Dr. Conteh, his tenure as Acting President, from July 2024 to January 2025, was marked by several notable accomplishments despite the university’s financial and operational challenges.
These accomplishments he said include:
- Resumption of Academic Activities:
Classes resumed on July 1, 2024, after months of disruptions, with final examinations conducted between July 15 and August 16, 2024. - Successful Graduation Ceremonies:
The university held its 104th Commencement Convocation, graduating 2,685 students, including 2,092 undergraduates and 593 graduate and professional students. - Introduction of Doctoral Programs: The launch of UL’s first doctoral programs in biomedical sciences and public health in collaboration with UNDP and Orange Innovation was a significant milestone.
- Procurement of New Buses: Two new 17-seater buses were procured for the Straz-Sinje campus in Grand Cape Mount County at a cost of $79,000, funded through UL’s endowment managed by the Trustees of Donations for Education in Liberia (TDEL).
- Student Engagement and Welfare:
The administration addressed key student concerns, laying the groundwork for improved campus life and academic access across UL’s campuses.
Farewell Address:
During his farewell remarks at the investiture ceremony for UL’s 16th President, Dr. Layli Maparyan, Dr. Conteh expressed gratitude to President Joseph Boakai and the Board of Trustees for their support during his tenure. He described his administration’s efforts to stabilize UL, identify its challenges, and prepare for its transformation.
“We have collaborated with the Ministry of Public Works to complete a comprehensive renovation plan for all university campuses. Although we faced financial constraints, the foundation has been laid for future progress,” he stated.
Dr. Conteh congratulated Dr. Maparyan, who brings a distinguished academic background and international experience to her new role as President of the University of Liberia. He expressed confidence in her ability to lead the university into a new era of academic excellence and infrastructural development.
Call for Continued Government Support: In his parting message, Dr. Conteh called on the Government of Liberia to increase its support to UL to address pressing challenges, including renovating deteriorating facilities, providing transportation for faculty and staff, and settling salary arrears for adjunct faculty.
The University of Liberia, established in 1862, is the nation’s premier higher education institution with approximately 22,000 students and over 2,600 faculty and staff members. Its campuses include Fendall, Capitol Hill, Health Sciences, and Straz-Sinje.
Under Dr. Conteh’s interim leadership, the university grappled with longstanding issues of underfunding and infrastructure decay, while also making strides in restoring academic activities and planning for future development.
As Dr. Conteh passes the torch to Dr. Maparyan, the University of Liberia stands at a crossroads. The challenges are significant, but with strong leadership, robust government support, and collaborative efforts, the institution can achieve its mission of fostering academic excellence and contributing to national development.
