The University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA) has issued a 30-day ultimatum to the national government and the university administration, demanding the immediate resolution of longstanding issues including salary disparities, unpaid retroactive benefits, and faculty welfare concerns.
The deadline follows a General Assembly held Friday, July 18, at the University of Liberia’s Capitol Hill campus, where members vented their frustrations over what they called persistent neglect by both the government and the university’s leadership.
ULFA President Dr. Edna Johnny told the gathering that poor working conditions continue to plague the faculty, including unsafe and unsanitary facilities, inadequate office space, and the absence of essential teaching resources. She pointed to repeated unfulfilled commitments outlined in multiple resolutions dating as far back as June 2024, and a 2021 Memorandum of Understanding, all of which remain largely unaddressed.
Dr. Johnny said ULFA had held several meetings with UL President Dr. Layli Maparyan in an effort to resolve the challenges affecting faculty members. However, she said the administration has made little effort to follow through.
“We met with Dr. Maparyan several times to explore ways of resolving the pressing concerns affecting faculty and staff, but there has been minimal commitment from her administration,” Dr. Johnny said.
She further disclosed that ULFA requested copies of two critical documents: the investigation report into the controversial “Dorr Cooper” matter—which resulted in faculty dismissals—and Dr. Maparyan’s 100-day deliverables, both of which remain undisclosed.
“Dr. Maparyan promised to share those reports to demonstrate her administration’s sincerity, but nothing has been provided so far,” Dr. Johnny said.
Following heated deliberations at the Assembly, faculty members authorized the ULFA leadership to engage all remaining channels of redress, including the Liberian Senate and the Office of the President. They resolved that the leadership must return with a clear update within a month, at which point an emergency General Assembly will be held to determine the next course of action.
In their resolution, ULFA members called for the immediate settlement of all retroactive payments owed to faculty, including compensation adjustments for those who have served beyond five years. They also demanded the full refund of funds allegedly seized without due process by the university’s comptroller.
The faculty reiterated calls for the immediate release of the “Dorr Cooper” investigative findings, the president’s 100-day report, and urgent renovation of all campus restrooms, with new facilities constructed where needed. They further demanded the implementation of overdue promotions and full resolution of salary disparities across academic and support staff.
Should the university and national leadership fail to meet these demands within the specified timeline, ULFA members are prepared to vote on a complete disengagement from academic activities. The emergency General Assembly will determine whether classes will continue or be suspended indefinitely, depending on the progress made.
Faculty members say they remain committed to teaching but will not allow continued disregard for their welfare and professional dignity to go unchallenged.
