Monrovia, Liberia – A group of University of Liberia (UL) students staged a protest at the Ministry of Commerce on Monday, March 10, 2025, demanding the immediate resignation and dismissal of Commerce Inspector Dorr Cooper following allegations of academic fraud.
The demonstration, organized by the Student Unification Party (SUP), follows the University of Liberia’s decision to revoke Cooper’s undergraduate degree in Public Administration. The university’s investigative committee found that Cooper obtained his degree through fraudulent means, including using the identity of a deceased student and allegedly paying $10,000 to staff to falsify academic records.
Protesters gathered outside the Commerce Ministry, chanting slogans and holding placards calling for Cooper’s removal. They accused him of deceiving the university and questioned the government’s commitment to accountability.
“How can someone who committed academic fraud hold a public office?” one student protester said. “We will not stop until Dorr Cooper resigns and faces justice.”
The university’s investigation began after questions about Cooper’s academic credentials surfaced before the September 10, 2024, commencement ceremony. After months of inquiry, the university officially revoked his degree, citing evidence that he manipulated records to facilitate his graduation.
Despite the findings, Cooper has denied the allegations and criticized the process as politically motivated. Speaking to the media, he expressed frustration over how the university handled the situation, claiming he was not given a fair hearing.
“I was never given the opportunity to defend myself before this decision was made,” Cooper said. “I found out about the revocation the same way the public did, through social media.”
The protest marks the second demonstration by UL students against Cooper. The students have vowed to continue their actions until the government removes him from his position.
