The Executive Mansion has denied reports circulating on social media that Dr. Robtel Neajai Pailey has been appointed as the next President of the University of Liberia (UL).
The clarification came through Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana, who commented under a post, stating, “This is not true on Robtel’s appointment.”
Speculation about Dr. Pailey’s potential leadership at UL gained traction after reports suggested she would assume the role ahead of the university’s official reopening on January 13, 2024.
Dr. Pailey, a distinguished associate professor at the London School of Economics and the 2024 July 26 Independence Day orator, is widely regarded as one of Liberia’s most outstanding academics.
While the reports have been dismissed, many Liberians have expressed optimism about the possibility of her leading UL, citing her global expertise and remarkable academic achievements. “If this is true, I will be very happy for her and the university,” remarked one admirer.
As the University of Liberia prepares for its reopening, the institution’s leadership remains a matter of public interest, with stakeholders awaiting official confirmation of its next president.
Thousands of Students of the University hope remains hopeless as the School has been closed for entirely a semester period.
Several students based Political Parties have threatened to stage and have staged protests in demand of the reopening of the School but to no avail.
In a follow-up statement, Kula Fofana noted, “UL will open as scheduled (Jan. 13) I’m told, and the new president will be announced shortly. Administrative works [are] ongoing [at the moment].
