Monrovia, Liberia – The Student Unification Party (SUP) has expressed cautious optimism regarding the appointment of Dr. Layli Maparyan as the new President of the University of Liberia (UL), despite its ongoing criticisms of the government. After carefully reviewing the findings of the Presidential Search Committee, the party found no legal or policy grounds to oppose her appointment, despite her status as a non-alumnus of the university.
While acknowledging the appointment, SUP emphasized that such a change in leadership alone is not sufficient to drive transformation at the institution. The party stressed that for meaningful administrative reforms to occur, the government must provide the necessary resources and support. “As an agent of the Presidency of Liberia, Dr. Maparyan will be held accountable for any actions or policies that hinder the academic and infrastructural development of UL,” the party declared.
SUP clarified that its stance is rooted in policy, not ethnicity or nationality. “We oppose draconian policies and societal ills, not skin color or ethnicity. Leadership should be based on vision and action, not racial or tribal affiliations,” the party stated. SUP further emphasized its longstanding commitment to a just society where individuals, regardless of background, can contribute to national progress. It highlighted its historical role in combating colonialism, imperialism, and one-party rule in Liberia and Africa.
Despite the positive reception of Maparyan’s appointment, SUP did not hesitate to criticize Liberia’s political elite, including figures such as President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Jeremiah Kpan Koung, George Weah, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The party accused these leaders of exacerbating the country’s educational crisis, plundering national resources, and perpetuating poverty. “These individuals, though they resemble us, have consistently failed to lead Liberia toward meaningful change. They are the true oppressors of students and the masses,” SUP asserted.
The party reaffirmed its role as a revolutionary force committed to advocating for students’ rights and resisting reactionary policies. “The appointment of Dr. Maparyan is a step forward, but the fight for a better University of Liberia and a just society continues,” SUP concluded.
In a separate statement, SUP reaffirmed its unyielding opposition to the societal ills plaguing Liberia, while acknowledging the significance of Dr. Maparyan’s appointment. The party, representing Africa’s student revolutionary movement and the marginalized sectors of society, remains dedicated to confronting Liberia’s most pressing issues, including the corruption, violations of the rule of law, and institutional decay that have affected the nation, as well as its educational system.
SUP expressed deep concern over the poor conditions at the University of Liberia, citing inadequate infrastructure, lack of basic amenities such as safe drinking water, unreliable internet access, and insufficient student transportation. Faculty members are also said to be working in substandard conditions with little support from the government.
The party also criticized the administration of President Boakai for neglecting the needs of UL students and faculty. “Mr. Boakai and his government care more about appearances, while our campuses remain in disrepair,” SUP remarked, vowing to continue its efforts to hold the government accountable and push for the resources UL urgently requires.
