For over six months, the University of Liberia (UL) has remained shuttered, leaving thousands of students in academic limbo and fueling widespread discontent with the government of President Joseph Boakai.
Since its closure on July 31, 2024, Liberia’s flagship institution of higher learning has become the focal point of criticism, with many accusing the administration of neglecting the country’s struggling education sector.
The prolonged closure has disrupted the lives of students, many of whom now face an uncertain future. Speaking to Verity News, some students expressed their frustration, accusing the Boakai administration of failing to grasp the urgency of reopening the university.
Their voices echo those of the Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP), a prominent campus-based political movement that has been vocal in condemning the government’s handling of the crisis.
SUP has emerged as a leading critic of the administration, describing the continued closure of UL as a glaring example of poor governance and administrative incompetence.
The group’s co-chair, Emmanuel Polay, did not mince words in his assessment, stating, “In less than one year, Mr. Boakai has somersaulted the entire state.” Polay’s remarks underscore growing concerns about the government’s inability to address critical national issues, particularly those affecting education.
Among SUP’s concerns are the deteriorating infrastructure at UL, a lack of essential academic resources, and ongoing labor disputes that have paralyzed the institution.
The group has accused the government of turning a blind eye to these issues, further compounding the challenges faced by students and faculty.
In response to mounting pressure, Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana recently took to Facebook to announce that UL is set to reopen on January 13, 2025. Fofana also revealed that a new university president would soon be appointed and that administrative work was ongoing to facilitate the reopening.
However, for many, the announcement has come too late and falls short of addressing the deeper issues that have plagued UL for years.
SUP has relentlessly criticized the administration, outlining a comprehensive list of 30 grievances against the Boakai-Koung government. These grievances include widespread economic hardship, poor governance of public institutions, and an apparent disconnect between the government and ordinary Liberians.
The group has called on students, educators, laborers, and professionals across the country to join in holding the administration accountable.
Mobilizing mass rallies, SUP has vowed to keep the pressure on until the government takes meaningful action.
The group has positioned itself as a champion of justice, academic freedom, and equitable access to resources, declaring the current state of affairs at UL unacceptable.
For students, the prolonged closure is not just an educational setback but a symbol of systemic neglect that reflects broader challenges within Liberia. The frustration is palpable, with many demanding more than just the reopening of UL.
They want a commitment from the government to prioritize education and invest in the nation’s future.
Some students have taken to Facebook to express dissatisfaction, with posts echoing similar sentiments.
They argue that as the country enters the new year, the prolonged closure of Liberia’s leading university serves as an unadorned reminder of the urgent need for reform.
Many have noted that with patience wearing thin and calls for accountability growing louder, the Boakai administration is facing a critical test of its leadership.
Whether it can rise to the occasion and effectively address the concerns of its citizens remains uncertain.
