The National Port Authority (NPA) has pledged an initial contribution of US$25,000 to address the long-standing shortage of chairs at the University of Liberia (UL), promising further efforts to rally additional support for the nation’s flagship university.
The commitment was made on Monday during a high-level meeting at the NPA headquarters between the Authority’s Managing Director, Hon. Sekou A.M. Dukuly, and UL President, Dr. Layli Maparyan.
Speaking at the meeting, Dukuly emphasized the importance of strengthening education as a pillar of Liberia’s national development. He assured Dr. Maparyan that the NPA would not only contribute directly but also mobilize resources from the business community and partners to help tackle some of UL’s pressing challenges.
“The National Port Authority remains committed to contributing to the needs of the University of Liberia in creating a more enabling learning environment for students,” Dukuly said.
The NPA boss also disclosed plans for closer collaboration between the Authority and UL in the future, including training opportunities to build the capacity of NPA staff for improved professionalism and operational efficiency.
In response, UL President Dr. Maparyan expressed deep appreciation for the gesture, describing the intervention as both timely and symbolic.
“This action by the NPA not only delivers immediate relief but also sends a strong message that education is at the heart of Liberia’s development,” Dr. Maparyan remarked. She praised Dukuly for his “transformational leadership” at the NPA and for extending the Authority’s hands of partnership at such a critical time.
The meeting was attended by senior NPA officials, including Deputy Managing Director for Operations Emmanuel Horton, Executive Director for Governmental and International Affairs Sekou B. Kolleh, and Executive Director for Human Resource Madam Vashti Sirleaf, among others.
The shortage of chairs has been a long-standing challenge at UL, often forcing students to stand during lectures or sit on windowsills. Many observers believe the NPA’s move could set the stage for broader institutional support to help ease conditions at Liberia’s largest public university.
