A leaked internal Memorandum obtained by Verity News reveals that the administration of the University of Liberia’s College of Health Sciences (ULCHS) is considering a 40% reduction in student stipends, a move that has sparked outrage and calls for legislative intervention.
The internal MoU, reportedly signed between top-level university administrators and faculty heads, outlines a $500,000 USD budget deficit jeopardizing key functions of the college, including the retention of foreign instructors, maintenance of student dormitories, provision of internet access, and operation of clinical transport buses.
“Given the critical shortage of operational funds, the college is compelled to implement extraordinary internal cost-containment measures. A 40% temporary stipend reduction is under administrative review as a primary fiscal response,” the MoU reads.
The document, marked “Confidential, Internal Use Only”, was never disclosed to the student body, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in university governance.
Student Leadership Pushes Back
Following an official meeting with the ULCHS administration on Tuesday, the leadership of the Liberia Medical Students Association (LMSA) and the Pharmaceutical Students Association of the University of Liberia (PHARMSA–UL) issued a memorandum to students rejecting the stipend cut proposal.
“We do not accept the proposed stipend reduction,” the memo states firmly. “This academic program is full-time and highly demanding, leaving no opportunity for students to earn supplementary income.”
The student memo outlines four key objections to the administration’s plan:
Lack of dormitory access for pre-clinical pharmacy students forces them to pay for private housing.
Full-time study schedule leaves no room for employment or side income.
Stipends are students’ sole financial support, covering food, transportation, and clothing.
Mental health risks, academic disruption, and instability would increase drastically.
In a bold response, the student associations have announced a mass petition to be held at the National Legislature on Thursday, September 11, calling on lawmakers to intervene.
Silence from Administration, Pressure from Students
However, the leak and student reaction have already sparked national discourse.
“This isn’t just about stipends,” said a third-year medical student, speaking anonymously. “This is about survival. If these stipends go, we can’t stay in school.”
“They cannot cut from the poorest to solve administrative problems. It’s inhumane and short-sighted,” said a PHARMSA–UL executive who requested anonymity due to ongoing tensions on campus.
Lawmakers Urged to Act
Student leaders have framed the issue as a national emergency that could affect the future of healthcare in Liberia.
“We’re training the next generation of doctors and pharmacists. Undermining their education today will have consequences for years,” said the President of LMSA in a brief press statement.
Sources within the Ministry of Health told Verity News that while the ministry is aware of the funding gap, it has not been officially consulted on the stipend reduction proposal.
“We have yet to receive a formal request from UL for assistance,” a senior official said under condition of anonymity.
Liberia already faces a dire shortage of trained health professionals. A reduction in stipends risks mass dropouts, potentially derailing medical and pharmaceutical education in the country.
“We’re watching the collapse of the system in slow motion,” said one former faculty member. “It starts with one cut. Then more students drop out. Then fewer graduates. Then fewer clinicians in our hospitals.”
With tensions rising, all eyes are now on the National Legislature, where students will stage a peaceful demonstration and present their petition.
