By: Journalist Archie Ayouba Boan
The Students Unification Party (SUP) at the University of Liberia has issued a strongly worded statement warning the Government of Liberia and the University of Liberia administration against any attempt to abolish the country’s free tuition policy at the state-run university.
In a conference held at UL Capitol Hill campus, SUP accused the administration of University of Liberia President Layli Maparyan and the Unity Party-led government of pursuing policies that would worsen the economic hardships facing students.
The student-based political movement argued that ending free tuition would place an unbearable burden on more than 22,000 students already struggling with poverty, unemployment and rising living costs.
SUP dismissed reports that operational challenges, including rising fuel prices, could justify an increase in tuition or fees. The group also criticized the university administration over what it described as inadequate transportation services for students while senior officials allegedly receive high salaries.
“The Free Tuition policy was instituted because of structural poverty, unemployment and economic exclusion,” the statement said, adding that any move to reverse the policy would face “revolutionary resistance.”
The organization vowed to mobilize students against any attempt to end free tuition, warning that such a decision could spark nationwide protests.
Beyond education policy, SUP also condemned what it called a “political witch-hunt” against former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr., who recently faced prosecution in connection with alleged financial improprieties.
The student movement argued that the government’s continued pursuit of investigations against Tweah following a non-guilty verdict undermines the rule of law and judicial independence. SUP accused the Boakai-Koung administration of selectively targeting political opponents while allegedly ignoring corruption allegations involving figures linked to the ruling establishment.
The statement further referenced allegations involving Representative Thomas Fallah, former Unity Party Chairman Amin Modad and the handling of public funds, claiming that anti-corruption efforts are being applied selectively.
SUP maintained that it is not defending Tweah personally but rather advocating for due process, judicial independence and equal application of the law.
The group also criticized civil society organizations and religious leaders for what it described as their silence on issues of governance and accountability.
“Your refusal to speak out against this blatant overreach is a betrayal of the public trust,” the statement asserted.
