By Jeremiah Gayflor
Nimba County Correspondent,
Ganta, Nimba County – Students of PYJ Polytechnic University are set to stage a peaceful protest on Friday, August 22, calling for the immediate reopening of their institution, which has remained closed for over seven months following the death of its founder, the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson.
The demonstration, organized by a group calling itself the Concerned Students of PYJ Polytechnic University, will begin at LPMC and proceed to the university’s campus in LPRC. During the march, students plan to present a formal petition to key authorities, including the Popariratres, the Nimba County Legislative Caucus, the Vice President of Liberia, the Superintendent of Nimba County, the University’s Board of Trustees, and the school administration.
In a strongly worded statement issue Thursday, August 21, 2025, the group expressed deep frustration over what they describe as “silence and inaction” from both university leadership and government officials. They say the continued closure has left students in limbo, with no clear communication about when academic activities will resume.
“This is not just about a building,” the students wrote in their press release “This university is a beacon of hope for students across Nimba and Liberia. To allow it to remain closed dishonors the legacy of Senator Prince Y. Johnson and shatters the dreams of thousands of young people.”
The students are particularly critical of the university’s Board of Trustees and the Proprietress, accusing them of failing in their responsibility to ensure the smooth operation of the school. According to the statement, many students and their families cannot afford to send them to other institutions outside of Ganta due to high costs of rent, transportation, and tuition.
“PYJ Polytechnic was established to make higher education accessible to Nimbaians,” the release emphasized. “Our protest is not to create chaos. It is a peaceful call for action.”
The students have vowed to conduct the protest in a disciplined and nonviolent manner, guided by principles of respect and unity. They called on parents, community members, and national stakeholders to join them in urging authorities to prioritize the reopening of the university.
The petition, which will be delivered during the march, outlines the students’ demands and urges decision-makers to ensure there are safeguards against future disruptions in the university’s academic calendar.
“Our demand is simple but urgent: Reopen PYJ Polytechnic University now,” the statement concluded.
The protest comes amid growing concerns about access to higher education in Liberia, particularly in rural counties like Nimba, where options are limited. Many in the county see the reopening of PYJ Polytechnic not only as a tribute to Senator Johnson’s legacy but as a vital step in supporting youth development and regional progress.
