In response to calls from the University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA) for a new presidential appointment, UL Acting President Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh has issued a statement emphasizing that his responsibilities are ongoing and crucial work remains to be completed before a smooth transition can occur.
ULFA’s recently developed a resolution, highlighting Dr. Conteh’s mandate had expired and requesting the Visitor of the University, President Joseph Boakai, to expedite the appointment of a new university president.
In his message to the university community, Dr. Conteh expressed appreciation for ULFA’s dedication to the progress of the institution but underscored the importance of allowing the Interim Management Team (IMT) to fully accomplish its goals. “While I appreciate ULFA’s enthusiasm for the University’s progress, I must clarify that my responsibilities are still ongoing,” Dr. Conteh stated.
Dr. Conteh, who has served as the 12th President of the University of Liberia, was entrusted with a temporary mandate by the Visitor to lead the IMT of the UL Board of Trustees. This mandate includes several key assignments aimed at stabilizing and advancing the institution during this period of transition. Specifically, the IMT has been tasked with assessing the physical conditions of the university’s campuses, conducting a comprehensive financial audit, and overseeing the selection process for a new president.
According to Dr. Conteh, the IMT has made notable progress on each of these fronts. The search process for a new president, a particularly crucial component of the mandate, has been completed. However, he emphasized that other tasks, such as the campus assessment and audit, remain active and require further time and resources to execute properly. “The assessment of our physical plant is ongoing, and we are actively working to identify areas for improvement. The audit process is also in progress, and we are collaborating with the General Auditing Commission and other relevant stakeholders to ensure its success,” he noted.
The Acting President clarified that the authority to appoint a permanent president resides solely with the Visitor and that the IMT is working in coordination with the Visitor’s office to ensure a seamless transition. Dr. Conteh remarked that while ULFA’s eagerness is understandable, rushing this process could compromise the integrity and effectiveness of the transition. “It is important to understand that these tasks cannot be rushed; they require careful planning and execution,” he stressed.
ULFA’s call for a new president suggests the need for stable and lasting leadership, but Dr. Conteh urged the association to consider the long-term benefits of completing these foundational assignments before moving forward.
He however expressed his commitment to his responsibilities, noting that he aims to lay a robust foundation for the incoming president that will allow them to lead with stability and clarity.
UL’s Acting President further encouraged all faculty, staff, and students to engage openly with his office on matters of progress and ongoing challenges, fostering an environment of transparency and collaboration. “Together, we can work towards a stronger and more resilient University of Liberia,” he affirmed.
