The Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP) at the University of Liberia issued a demand for the immediate resumption of the academic semester, warning President Boakai’s administration against politicizing education at the university.
SUP has also declared Mr. Boakai unwanted on campus if classes do not resume within the next 48 hours.
On June 14, 2024, the University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA) announced a collective decision to cease all academic activities.
Sup believes the drastic measure was in response to the administration’s and by extension, the government’s failure to address numerous pressing issues affecting ULFA members’ livelihoods.
As an independent organization within the University of Liberia, ULFA represents lecturers, assistant professors, and professors tasked with providing superior education and preparing Liberian students for global competition and national leadership.
This announcement came at a critical time, with the university scheduled to administer final exams in the next two weeks, concluding the 2023/2024 academic semester.
ULFA’s suspension of academic activities not only disrupts the semester but also creates a significant embarrassment for over 20,000 students, casting them as public laughingstocks.
The students movement says it stands in solidarity with ULFA in their pursuit of a better university and supports their call for settling arrears. However, SUP believes that negotiations can continue while the semester progresses.
SUP demands the completion of the semester by any means necessary. The party acknowledges that ULFA’s decision stems from government negligence, which must be addressed urgently.
The abrupt closure of the university, particularly given the delay of the 104th Graduation convocation, is deeply frustrating for students nearing the end of their academic journey.
SUP urges ULFA to reconsider their decision, resume classes, and ensure the semester concludes while addressing their concerns before the new academic year.
SUP’s press statement included a stark warning to the Unity Party government under President Boakai to address the issues at the University of Liberia and stop politicizing education.
As Liberia’s only public higher education institution, the University of Liberia deserves full attention to ensure its enhancement and global competitiveness.
Amidst inadequate resources such as buses and deteriorating conditions, it is demoralizing that over 20,000 students are out of school due to unpaid faculty salaries.
Meanwhile, the government has allocated over half a million dollars for senators’ retreats and allows the President to travel lavishly.
These actions reflect a deliberate neglect of education, violating Article 6 of the Liberian Constitution and Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Consequently, SUP declared President Boakai unwelcome on the University of Liberia campuses if his government fails to ensure the resumption of academic activities within 48 hours.
Credible intelligence indicates that President Boakai plans to visit the university soon. But SUP stated that as long as the university remains closed due to government neglect, President Boakai is not welcome. His announced visit, in the midst of this crisis, disrespects university students, and SUP will take necessary actions to prevent it.
Education is fundamental to human development and nation-building. SUP unveiled that it remains steadfast in its call for the immediate continuation of the academic semester.
The party demands the government adhere to this within 48 hours or face unspecified revolutionary consequences led by university students.
The Vanguard Student Unification Party’s statement underscores the critical role of education in Liberia’s development and the urgent need for the government to address the concerns of the University of Liberia Faculty Association.
