A social media post by University of Liberia President Dr. Layli Maparyan showing wooden armchairs at the university has drawn heavy criticism, with some Liberians questioning why the furniture is being highlighted when the institution continues to face serious problems.
The reaction comes at a time when the university administration and the University of Liberia Faculty and Staff Association (ULFASA) remain locked in a dispute over the administration’s order for faculty and staff to return to work.
Several people who reacted to the post questioned the quality and appearance of the chairs, with some saying they looked outdated for a university that is expected to provide modern learning and working facilities.
Freddie Fred accused the university administration of failing to introduce meaningful reforms or address the institution’s problems. Other commenters questioned why Dr. Maparyan remains in office and why the university would publicly showcase the chairs.
Christian Karnue questioned whether such furniture should be something to celebrate in 2026, while J. Madankay Myers described the chairs as outdated.
Robin Roberts offered to provide an alternative. He said his furniture company could produce steel-pipe school furniture, which he described as stronger and backed by a two-year warranty. He also questioned whether the wooden chairs would last more than two academic years.
The criticism comes as the University of Liberia faces an ongoing disagreement with ULFASA over the reopening of the university.
On August 14, Dr. Maparyan and Board of Trustees Chair Senator Numene T. H. Bartekwa directed faculty and staff to return to work on Monday, August 17, at 8:00 a.m.
The administration said attendance was mandatory and instructed academic departments to begin preparing for the resumption of classes on August 25.
It also warned that employees who failed to report to work without authorization could face action under university policy.
ULFASA rejected the order and told faculty and staff to remain at home.
In its August 14 statement, the association accused the administration of what it called a “dictatorial slave mentality” and described the situation as one of the lowest points in the university’s leadership history.
ULFASA said it had activated task forces across the university’s campuses and instructed members to keep offices closed.
The association also accused the administration of ignoring the welfare of faculty and staff, along with the university’s Charter and By-Laws.
The dispute later intensified when ULFASA declared Dr. Maparyan, Senator Bartekwa and the university’s Associate Vice President for Human Resources persona non grata on all university campuses.
The association also instructed faculty and staff not to comply with the return-to-work order.
On Tuesday, August 18, ULFASA announced an Emergency General Assembly for Friday, August 21, at 11:00 a.m. at the Theater of the Fendall Campus.
According to the association, members will receive updates on negotiations with the Government of Liberia and the university administration and will decide on the way forward.
The announcement was signed by Eric T. S. Patten, Secretary General of ULFA, and E. Martin Weah II, Secretary General of ULSA, on behalf of the ULFASA Executive Committee.
With the August 25 reopening approaching, the disagreement between the administration and faculty and staff remains unresolved, while the debate over the wooden chairs has added fresh criticism of the university’s leadership.
