The African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU) is facing mounting criticism from its student body after an unexpected increase in IT fees, from USD $12 to $20-despite a long-standing failure of the university’s online platform, which has remained non-functional for over two academic years.
In an open letter posted on AMEU’s internal social media platform, students voiced their frustration, disappointment, and call for urgent accountability from the university’s administration.
“This is beyond frustrating, it is heartbreaking,” one student wrote. “For over two academic years, the online platform has been down, yet nothing has been done. At the same time, the technology fees jumped from $12 to $20. But the big question is: what exactly are we paying for?”
The university’s digital infrastructure, once marketed as a sign of progress and innovation, has become a symbol of student dissatisfaction.
With services such as course registration, fee payment, and transcript access either unreliable or unavailable, students are asking for clarity.
“Are we paying for a platform we cannot use? Or for internet services that are not benefiting students?” another student asked. “This is not the AMEU we believed in… the institution that claimed to stand for innovation, excellence, and student growth.”
Unconsented, Unsupported, and Overburdened
Many students, particularly those who self-finance their education, were taken by surprise by the increment, which they say came without any prior notice or explanation.
“It baffled me to see the AMEU that is highly recommended outside of our walls being unrealistic with no justification on the increment of fees on items that are not effective and reliable,” one student shared.
“It’s the administration’s responsibility to have a dialogue with students before making changes to fees for services they claim to provide,” another added.
“After budgeting for a semester, to suddenly face an increased charge is a heavy burden. How do we reconcile that?”
Calls for Oversight and Reform
Beyond the fee increase, the issue has reignited calls for regulatory oversight of private tertiary institutions in Liberia.
“POV: The private universities and colleges in this country need to be regulated,” one post read, echoing a growing sentiment among the student body.
IT students in particular expressed concerns about the university outsourcing platform development to companies unfamiliar with Liberia’s educational context, resulting in unreliable systems and delayed fixes.
“Sometimes it feels like they’re more interested in collecting their paychecks than in delivering functional systems,” one IT student commented. “We need platforms built by people who understand our needs. Let’s push for change and demand better.”
Portal Problems Causing Real-World Consequences
Beyond frustration, students say the non-functional platform is having real financial consequences.
“It’s too annoying, the same portal problem made me pay arrears two different times,” one student complained. “I hate this.”
“Let them just give us our $20 back,” another wrote, “and we will use it for transportation to go do billing and registration in person.”
An Urgent Call to AMEU Leadership
With no official response yet from AMEU administration, the students’ message is clear: enough is enough.
“We cannot continue like this,” the letter concludes. “Students deserve better. If we are paying, then let it be for services that actually work. There must be accountability. There must be change.”
The students are calling on AMEU President, Rev. Dr. Alvin Edward, and university leadership to address the issue urgently, provide transparency around the fee increase, and commit to restoring faith in the institution’s digital and administrative services.
Until then, tensions remain high, and the future of student trust in the university’s promise of “innovation and excellence” hangs in the balance.
