Monrovia, Liberia – A reported plan by the University of Liberia (UL) administration to raise registration fees to LD$10,000 has been sharply criticised by the civil society movement STAND, which characterizes the action as cruel and inconsiderate in light of the nation’s deteriorating economic circumstances. The decision, which was purportedly made public on Lux FM, comes at a time when Liberians are struggling with escalating taxes, skyrocketing transportation expenses, and ongoing price rises for food, necessities, and services, according to a statement attributed to the group.
STAND contended that the planned fee increase would put an intolerable strain on parents and students who are already struggling, many of them are dealing with dwindling wages and little career options. “At a time when taxes are rising without mercy, transportation fares are skyrocketing, and the prices of food, basic commodities, and essential social services continue climbing daily, adding more pressure on poor students and suffering parents is wicked, heartless, and unacceptable,” the group stated.
The civil society group said that the proposed LD$10,000 registration fee could discourage many young people from pursuing higher education, calling it a “economic war” on students and low-income families. Additionally, STAND said that public education should continue to be available to all residents, regardless of their financial situation, and called on the government to step in and support the University of Liberia. While other state expenditures, like as plans for new currency circulation, continue, it questioned the necessity of placing more financial strain on students.
Instead of what it termed “punishing poor students,” STAND said the government should absorb the university’s operational costs to prevent disruptions in academic access. “Education must not become a privilege for the wealthy while ordinary Liberian children are pushed out of the classroom by poverty and bad governance,” the statement emphasized.
