By Matalay S. Kollie
MONROVIA — University of Liberia President Dr. Layli Maparyan has defended the possibility of future increases in student fees at the country’s premier public university, warning that rising operational costs and economic realities make it unsustainable for the institution to continue operating on minimal charges indefinitely.
Speaking during an interview on a local radio station in Monrovia, Dr. Maparyan addressed growing concerns over the financial challenges facing the state-run university and explained why adjustments in student fees may become necessary over time.
According to her, many students misunderstand the reasons behind potential fee increases, believing the university is arbitrarily demanding more money from students. She stressed, however, that the institution is being forced to respond to increasing costs associated with providing essential services and maintaining operations.
“Students are going to have to adjust to the fact that over time, the student fees are going to go up,” Dr. Maparyan stated. “It’s because the things we need to buy for students cost more. Prices go up.”
The UL President pointed to global economic pressures, including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as factors contributing to increased operational expenses at the university. She explained that rising global oil prices have significantly affected the cost of fuel needed to operate generators, campus buses, and other university services dependent on petroleum products.
“Our generators cost more now. Our buses cost more now. Everything that uses fuel is going to cost more because of this war,” she said.
Dr. Maparyan also rejected claims that the University of Liberia could simply rely on additional government funding to absorb all operational costs. According to her, funds allocated by the government are tied to detailed budgetary lines and cannot be spent arbitrarily.
“When we submit a budget, it’s not like, ‘Just give us some cash and we’ll do what we want,’” she explained. “Every line has to be detailed, and every dollar is allotted to something.”
Despite the financial pressures, Dr. Maparyan emphasized that students at the University of Liberia continue to benefit from free tuition, which she described as a rare privilege compared to many institutions across the region.
She cited the University of Ghana as an example, noting that students there reportedly pay between US$100 and US$200 per semester in fees, while students at UL currently pay approximately US$15 in fees.
“If we think we’re going to run a school with $15 fees, we’re not. We can’t,” she asserted.
The UL President acknowledged the difficult economic conditions facing many Liberian families but argued that the country must gradually develop an economy capable of supporting improved living standards and sustainable educational systems.
“We will help people to the extent possible,” she said. “But the idea that education can just be free, free — is false. It’s wrong. It’s incorrect. It’s not true.”
Her comments are expected to generate debate among students and parents, many of whom have historically resisted fee increases at the University of Liberia amid ongoing economic hardship in the country.
The University of Liberia has in recent years faced recurring challenges related to infrastructure, electricity, transportation, staffing, and student services, issues administrators say require additional financial resources to address effectively.
