Published: September 27, 2025
MONROVIA — Liberia’s Civil Service Agency chief on Friday warned faculty at public universities and colleges not to stage a planned go-slow, calling it “counterproductive,” drawing an immediate rebuke from the University of Liberia Faculty Association’s secretary-general, who branded the warning “out of order.”
CSA Director-General Dr. Josiah F. Joekai Jr. issued a circular to presidents of public universities and colleges saying the agency had received intelligence that some faculty were plotting to disrupt classes.
“The CSA views such plans with grave concern and hereby strongly advises all faculty members against engaging in any counterproductive course of action,” Joekai wrote. “Faculty are urged to remain calm, exercise restraint, and continue their teaching and other academic responsibilities without interruption.”
Joekai reminded faculty that, as civil servants, they are bound by the CSA Human Resource Policy Manual and the Standing Orders for the Civil Service. He said grievances must be channeled through “established grievance and redress mechanisms … to address any concerns in a professional and lawful manner.”
“Be reminded that any instructor or professor who deliberately abandons duty or fails to perform assigned responsibilities will be subject to administrative measures consistent with the Civil Service regulations,” he warned.
ULFA Pushes Back
The statement, posted on the CSA’s official Facebook page, was swiftly rejected by ULFA Secretary-General Eric T. S. Patten, who said the agency has no authority over higher-education faculty.
“This release is out of order,” Patten said. “Higher institutions of learning cannot be subjected to CSA rules. The CSA and higher institutions of learning operate differently.”
Patten urged the government to address faculty grievances instead of issuing threats.
“Threats will not work,” he said. “It will only worsen the situation. Who solves a problem by creating another one?”
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