Harbel, Margibi County — An Eminent son of Margibi county, Mr. Prince S. D. Marley, Sr., has raised alarm over what he described as a “disappointing” budgetary allocation for the county’s only public university in the 2026 draft national budget.
Speaking on a local radio station in Margibi on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Marley expressed frustration that despite Liberia’s national budget surpassing USD 1.2 billion for the first time, Margibi University’s proposed allocation stands at just USD 701,434 — far below the one-million-dollar mark.
“If Margibi leaders sit and allow this low increment for Margibi University in the 2026 fiscal year budget, then they don’t mean well for education in the county,” Marley warned.
He compared the university’s allocation to those of other smaller institutions across the country, including Bomi University, which reportedly received more than USD 1.3 million. “Even Bomi University and other small colleges and universities have budgets of over one million, but our own Margibi — where we have great leaders — didn’t even reach one million. Why?” he asked emotionally.
Marley, who also lectures at the institution, urged the county’s youth to move away from political division and focus on building their futures. “You are still young and strong enough to fight for your future,” he told listeners of the show “But instead of channeling your energy toward progress, you are using it to sing praises for politicians and insult on other people. Redirect that energy and invest it in building your future.”
He lamented that many young people have compromised their independence by accepting handouts from politicians. “You compromise your future too much; that’s why your lives remain the same,” he added.
The radio appearance drew praise from several callers, who commended the educator for what they called a balanced and courageous analysis of the county’s educational and political challenges.
As debate over the 2026 fiscal budget continues, Marley’s comments have reignited public discussion about equitable funding for higher education institutions across Liberia — particularly those outside the capital.
