The Nimba University Faculty Association (NUFA) has communicated strongly to the administration, expressing frustration over unresolved issues and a perceived lack of timely action.
In a letter dated January 29, 2025, addressed to Dr. Jesse Mongrue, the university’s administration head, the association outlined several concerns about administrative practices, resource shortages, and the mismanagement of personnel.
The communication, signed by NUFA Secretary General Philip N. Kwahmie and Chairman G. Adonis Gwesiah, was also sent to the university’s Board of Trustees, signaling the seriousness of the matters.
In the letter, the faculty association acknowledged the response from Dr. Mongrue’s office to their earlier concerns but expressed disappointment that many of the issues remained unaddressed. One of the key criticisms was the absence of clear timelines in the administration’s responses.
NUFA members noted that without concrete timelines, there was no assurance that the promised actions would ever be carried out. This lack of clarity, the association argued, further entrenched a sense of frustration among faculty members, who felt their concerns were being sidelined.
Furthermore, the Faculty Association questioned the administration’s approach to staffing and finances. They pointed out that while individuals who had misused university funds for studies had not been penalized, some had been rewarded with new positions, which seemed to undermine the university’s credibility.
In one of their more pointed criticisms, NUFA called out Dr. Mongrue for not taking appropriate action against faculty or staff who had failed to meet their academic obligations after receiving funding, suggesting that this leniency was fostering a culture of impunity within the institution.
Another issue raised was the lack of basic resources to support academic operations. NUFA expressed concern over the absence of stationery for mid-term exams, a critical resource still missing despite repeated requests. The faculty members pointed to the continuous travels of the administration to Monrovia, questioning the priority given to administrative concerns over academic resources. The association emphasized that such inefficiencies were unacceptable in an educational institution where the focus should be on creating an environment conducive to learning.
The letter also addressed the state of transportation for faculty members. The two buses assigned to transport faculty to and from their destinations were in need of repair, and the Faculty Association called for immediate action. Given the low salaries of faculty members, the association argued that providing transportation would ease the financial burden on faculty and demonstrate the administration’s commitment to their welfare.
Additionally, the association called for immediate financial transparency regarding the university’s budget, specifically requesting details on the USD 75,000 recast budget, tuition-free waivers, and the $50,000 County Social Development Fund intended for staff development. With increasing financial uncertainty, the faculty members clarified that they expected better communication and accountability on financial matters.
Another critical issue raised in the letter was the performance and professionalism of specific staff members in the Human Resources Department. NUFA called for the reassignment of Mr. Leviticus Paye Whamah and Mr. Wellington Kwiti Jr., citing their poor handling of recruitment processes and their damaging impact on the university’s reputation. The letter outlined specific instances where the actions of these individuals had caused delays and embarrassment for the institution, including the recruitment of unqualified personnel and the use of fake academic credentials. The Faculty Association’s request for their reassignment reflects a broader desire for professionalism and accountability within the administrative ranks.
The Faculty Association also highlighted the issue of staff benefits, which they claimed were lacking. While other universities might offer housing allowances, research packages, and internet access for faculty, Nimba University had failed to provide these basic supports. NUFA made it clear that these benefits were critical for the retention of staff and for maintaining morale among the faculty.
Furthermore, the association pointed out disparities in staff salaries, urging the administration to work with the relevant authorities to ensure that salaries were adjusted to reflect the cost of living and the contributions of the faculty members. With the 2025 budget now passed, NUFA emphasized the urgency of addressing these disparities to prevent further dissatisfaction among staff.
Lastly, the Faculty Association clarified that unless these issues were addressed by January 31, 2025, they would be forced to take more drastic actions, including withholding instructional materials and halting academic activities until the university received the necessary funds. This warning underscores the seriousness of the situation and the growing impatience within the faculty ranks. The administration has been given a clear deadline to take action, and failure to do so could have far-reaching consequences for the university’s operations.
