At the investiture ceremony of Dr. Layli Maparyan as the 16th President of the University of Liberia (UL) on Friday, January 10, 2025, Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, the former Acting President of the institution, offered a heartfelt farewell address, acknowledging the support he received during his tenure.
He thanked President Joseph Boakai and the Board of Trustees for their unwavering backing, which, according to Dr. Conteh, played a crucial role in stabilizing the University during significant challenges.
In his remarks, Dr. Conteh highlighted the efforts made under his leadership to address the University’s difficulties, particularly in terms of infrastructure and financial constraints. He expressed pride in the work completed, noting that despite limited resources, his administration had managed to lay the groundwork for future improvements. “We have worked closely with the Ministry of Public Works to complete a comprehensive renovation plan for all university campuses,” he remarked. He emphasized that the foundation had been set for ongoing progress, even if financial limitations had impeded more immediate changes.
Dr. Conteh congratulated Dr. Maparyan, praising her distinguished academic credentials and extensive international experience. He expressed confidence that she would lead the University into a new era marked by educational excellence and the much-needed revitalization of its infrastructure. His optimism for the institution’s future was palpable, as he expressed certainty that Dr. Maparyan would be a catalyst for positive change.
In his parting address, Dr. Conteh called for increased government support for the University. He urged the Liberian government to address some of the institution’s most urgent challenges, including renovating aging infrastructure, providing transportation for faculty and staff, and settling outstanding salary arrears for adjunct faculty. His appeal underscored the continued need for collaboration between the University and the government to ensure that the institution could provide quality education to the nation’s youth.
Dr. Conteh’s leadership at the University of Liberia came during considerable strain, as the institution struggled with financial underfunding and decaying infrastructure. However, his interim leadership also saw strides toward stabilizing the institution, restoring academic activities, and preparing for long-term development. His tenure served as a transitionary period, during which he laid a foundation that will hopefully allow future leaders like Dr. Maparyan to build upon.
