Monrovia, Liberia – In a nonviolent demonstration in the heart of Monrovia on Monday, September 15, the University of Liberia’s Student Unification Party (SUP) demanded that Dr. Layli Maparyan, the university president, either address the worsening conditions at the institution or resign immediately.
Dr. Layli Maparyan, UL President
“Fix the University or leave now” and “Education is a Right, Not a Privilege” were among the slogans screamed by hundreds of students wearing their party colors and holding banners.
The demonstrators claim that the University’s unsatisfactory learning facilities, dearth of contemporary labs, erratic academic schedule, and lack of a strong student-centered policy were the main causes of their action.
Students no longer want to put up with what they called “administrative neglect” of the country’s top university. “We are sending Dr. Maparyan a clear message, either she takes immediate action to address the long-standing issues at the University of Liberia, or she should resign.”
Initially held on the University’s Capitol Hill campus, the demonstration ultimately expanded into Monrovia’s streets but, remained largely peaceful under the watch of joint security officers. The university his yet to formally responded to the demands of the students.
Founded in 1862, the University of Liberia is still the largest and oldest public university in the nation. However, it has faced a number of challenges recently, including underfunding, deteriorating infrastructure, and repeated interruptions to its academic programs.
Reported by: Prince Saah
