Monrovia — President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., has relieved Dr. Julius J.S. Nelson of his position as President of the institution, effective immediately. The announcement was made by the Executive Mansion following a series of meetings with the University’s Board of Trustees and other stakeholders.
President Boakai, who serves as the Visitor to the University, has appointed former University President Ambassador Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh as Acting President. Dr. Conteh will lead an Interim Management Team tasked with stabilizing the university and overseeing the search for a new president within the next three months. This decision follows the Board’s unanimous nomination of Dr. Conteh to guide the institution through this transitional period.
The leadership change comes in the wake of disruption at the University of Liberia. On June 16, 2024, the University of Liberia Faculty and Staff Association (ULFASA) voted to cease all teaching activities due to unpaid salaries for part-time lecturers and poor working conditions. The faculty and staff have stated they will not return to the classroom until their grievances are addressed and Dr. Nelson steps down.
ULFASA President Dr. Edna Johnny highlighted numerous issues, including the prolonged non-payment of part-time lecturers, inadequate transportation, and substandard infrastructure. Dr. Johnny emphasized the urgency of these concerns, citing unsafe working conditions exacerbated by frequent violent student protests. “The administration has generated millions of dollars, yet students lack basic amenities like chairs, and faculty members are without essential teaching materials,” Dr. Johnny remarked.
Secretary General Eric T. S. Patten echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration with the university management. “I’m tired of the entire management team. Let Sarwolo Nelson and his team go,” he declared, advocating for leadership that understands and addresses the unique challenges faced by the faculty and staff.
Tensions escalated following the faculty strike, with the university’s administration and student political factions expressing divergent views. The administration called for employees to resume work, warning of repercussions for those participating in the strike. Meanwhile, student groups were divided, with some supporting the faculty’s stance and others calling for a return to normalcy to minimize disruption to the academic calendar.
As the University of Liberia navigates this period of upheaval, the priority remains on finding sustainable solutions to restore stability and foster a conducive learning environment for students and staff alike.
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