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Cllr. Charlyne Brumskine Urges Liberian Youth to Embrace Change Amid Controversy Over UL Presidency

Monrovia, Liberia – Cllr. Charlyne M. Brumskine, a Liberian politician and former vice standard bearer to Alexander B. Cummings during the 2023 presidential election under the now-defunct Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), has voiced her perspective on the appointment of Dr. Layli Maparyan as President of the University of Liberia (UL). The decision by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, announced on January 4, 2025, has generated widespread debate across the country, with many Liberians questioning the move. In a letter titled “A Letter to the Young Revolutionaries of the University of Liberia,” published on January 6, Brumskine offered a thought-provoking perspective on the controversy.

Addressing UL’s young revolutionaries, Brumskine acknowledged their concerns and frustrations, which have been widely shared through social media, group chats, and personal discussions. She conceded that their criticisms were valid and deserving of attention. However, she encouraged them to consider an alternative viewpoint—one that challenges the status quo and embraces change.

“Maybe, just maybe, it is time for us to try a new approach,” Brumskine wrote, urging students to resist the entrenched patterns of thinking that have not served the nation well. She proposed that young Liberians could seize this moment to lead a new type of revolution—one that embraces innovation, transformation, and the courage to explore uncharted territories.

Brumskine emphasized the importance of academic growth and the potential benefits of having someone like Dr. Maparyan, a figure with ties to prestigious U.S. academic institutions, at the helm of UL. She argued that while Liberia is home to many qualified individuals, opening the doors to someone with a fresh perspective could bring invaluable opportunities. “Perhaps it would benefit us to learn something outside of the familiar and from someone unknown to us,” she suggested, adding that Dr. Maparyan’s leadership could introduce reforms to UL’s administrative practices, curriculum, and overall structure.

Reflecting on her own experiences, Brumskine noted the frequent requests she receives for financial assistance from young Liberians seeking higher education abroad. She urged students to recognize the significance of having an accomplished academic professional lead their own state university, potentially transforming UL into a center of excellence. “Think of the opportunities this could present!” she exclaimed, encouraging them to consider the broader implications of such an appointment.

However, Brumskine did not ignore the concerns regarding Dr. Maparyan’s administrative experience. While impressed by her academic credentials, she acknowledged that the appointee’s lack of experience in leading an institution of UL’s magnitude warranted scrutiny. Yet, she reminded the students that revolutions are often led by individuals with vision and determination, even when they lack conventional qualifications.

Shifting the focus back to the students, Brumskine challenged them to redefine what it means to be “Liberian” and to reconsider the criteria used to evaluate leadership. She urged them to think beyond tradition and to adopt a more flexible and inclusive mindset. “We intensely hold on to the familiar, even when we know that it does not serve us,” she observed, cautioning against the rigidity that hinders progress.

In a heartfelt plea, Brumskine encouraged young Liberians to embrace change, even if it feels daunting or unfamiliar. She acknowledged the fear of the unknown but stressed the need for courage and innovation to build a brighter future. “Tear off the old garments and begin to cloak yourself with fresh, innovative ways of thinking,” she urged, calling on students to be bold in their pursuit of progress.

Concluding her letter, Brumskine expressed hope that if Dr. Maparyan’s leadership ultimately proves unsuccessful, it would not be because Liberians resisted change but because the experiment was simply not the right fit. “Young people, this country is yours. History is for us, the old people. Let us hold on to it; the future is yours,” she affirmed, leaving the youth with a powerful reminder of their role in shaping Liberia’s destiny.

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