The University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA) has vowed to remain on a go-slow and shut down normal learning activities until a permanent president is appointed and their outstanding demands are met.
ULFA disclosed Monrovia during their General Assembly held on November 1, 2024.
The State-run University Faculty Association is spearheaded by Dr. Edna G. Johnny (Ph.D.) as its President.
ULFA gathering over the weekend brought together over 400 faculty members to address critical concerns affecting their working conditions and the broader university environment.
During the assembly, the ULFA President reiterated the organization’s commitment to advocating for the welfare of faculty and staff.
The gathering centered around a critical report on the status of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on October 1, 2021, between the Government of Liberia and faculty representatives.
According to ULFA, this MOU included an agreement for a 40% salary increment that has yet to be fully implemented, alongside unresolved issues stemming from a June 14, 2024 resolution regarding faculty and staff conditions.
During their assembly, the organization raised concerns, including inadequate working conditions, lack of transportation for faculty at Sinje, insufficient office space, retroactive payments for staff, salary disparities, delays in salary disbursements, and a perceived lack of accountability within the university’s administration.
The faculty expressed deep frustration over the continued delays and called for immediate action.
The ULFA members acknowledged the recent intervention by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, which led to the appointment of an interim leadership team tasked with recruiting a new university president.
In a resolution passed during the assembly, ULFA made several specific demands, including the immediate appointment of a new university president in line with the recommendations of the Presidential Search Committee.
The resolution that all outstanding issues from the June 14, 2024 resolution, including full settlement of arrears and current salaries for part-time faculty.
The organization maintained that they would only return to classes if and when the implementation of long-overdue faculty promotions, settlement of all retroactive payments for staff, and resolution of salary disparities without further delays.
The resolution furthers the provision of transportation for faculty members at Sinje and improvements to classroom conditions across all campuses.
The ULFA is, among other things, demanding a comprehensive audit of university financial operations and staff academic credentials while stressing the need to initiate discussions regarding the remaining salary increments for faculty and staff.
“That the faculty awaits the appointment of the new President before resuming classes; That all arrears and current salaries of Part-Time faculty be settled without any precondition; That the classrooms on all campuses and environment be given a facelift; That a comprehensive audit of the U.L. be executed; and that a comprehensive credentials audit be executed.” Edna G. Johnny, President, ULFA
The assembly concluded with a united call for accountability and action from the government and university administration, reflecting the urgent need for improvements in the academic environment at the University of Liberia.
As ULFA members await the government’s response to their demands, the future of the university’s academic activities remains uncertain in the coming days and weeks.
