Margibi County ~ The newly inducted Student Council President of Margibi University, James Karnga, has responded strongly to recent criticism made by Liberian activist and academic, Foeday Zinnah, over the honoring of Senator J. Emmanuel Nuquay during the university’s recent induction ceremony.
Senator Nuquay, who served as the guest speaker at the event, was gowned in recognition of his contributions to the institution. However, Zinnah ~ currently pursuing his PhD abroad ~ publicly condemned the university’s decision, citing the senator’s sanction by the U.S. government over alleged “massive corruption.”
In his comments, Zinnah argued that higher education institutions like Margibi University should refrain from celebrating figures with tainted public reputations. He further suggested that the university could have chosen to honor educators who have made meaningful contributions to the education sector rather than what he described as a “corrupt politician.”
But Karnga, commenting days after the remarks stirred public reaction, issued a firm rebuttal defending the university’s choice.
“Just because you have an issue with Sen. Nuquay doesn’t mean we should also hate or oppose him,” Karnga stated. “There’s no need to give Foeday Zinnah the relevance he’s seeking.”
He outlined several contributions Senator Nuquay has made to the university over the years, including his involvement in the institution’s formation, support for the Business and Public Administration College, and the provision of scholarships to many students.
“Our decision to honor Sen. J. Emmanuel Nuquay and others was very clear. We pay homage to people who deserve it,” Karnga said. “What have you (Foeday Zinnah) done for a single student at Margibi University to question our decision?”
The student leader further called on Zinnah to refrain from using the university’s internal decisions for what he described as “political glory-seeking.”
“We are professional people. You don’t determine for us who to honor,” Karnga concluded. “I advise that you rethink and redirect your political energy elsewhere.”
The debate has drawn mixed reactions within academic and political circles in Margibi County and beyond, with some defending academic independence in honoring contributors, while others stress the need for institutions to uphold moral and ethical standards.
As of press time, Senator Nuquay has not publicly responded to either the criticism or Karnga’s statement.
