Monrovia – The vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP), a prominent student body at the University of Liberia (UL), has declared President Joseph Boakai “unwelcome” on campus and strongly urged him to avoid the upcoming official launch of the University’s Doctoral Program. The party described his anticipated visit as an affront to both students and the broader community.
The University is set to host President Boakai for the ceremony marking a significant milestone—the launch of its Doctoral Program. University authorities have stated that Boakai’s participation is purely ceremonial, aligning with his official role as a guest of the institution.
However, SUP has vocally opposed Boakai’s presence. In a forceful statement signed by Secretary General Cde. Odecious Mulbah and Chairman Cde. Patrick N. Bosco, the party criticized the President’s administration for neglecting the university’s pressing issues. These include the poor state of facilities, a longstanding ban on student politics, and insufficient support for quality education.
SUP’s statement to the press claimed to defend “the morality and integrity of massescracy,” committing to advocate for students and the nation’s disadvantaged groups. The party criticized Boakai’s “Nicodemus-like” visits to the university amidst ongoing neglect of its essential needs.
“Students are furious and refuse to welcome those who perpetuate their misery and poverty,” the statement read. “The University of Liberia remains a bastion of consciousness and the epicenter of intelligentsia. Those managing our resources and taxes without addressing our needs should not be at peace at this major hub of enlightenment.”
SUP also highlighted the deteriorating conditions at UL and the broader economic challenges faced by students, labeling Boakai’s potential visit as disrespectful.
“The government under Mr. Boakai has abandoned quality education. Almost one year has passed with no tangible improvements on the campuses of the University of Liberia!” SUP protested. The party urged the President to abstain from visiting the campus until he engages in meaningful dialogue and addresses their concerns.
SUP reaffirmed its dedication to defending student rights and vowed to oppose any government attempts to overlook the issues facing the nation’s youth. The statement aligns with increasing student demands for the unconditional lifting of the ban on student politics, a situation that remains unresolved despite various protests and appeals.
The declaration from SUP intensifies the pressure on President Boakai’s administration to address student grievances ahead of the Doctoral Program’s launch. Reports indicate that members of SUP are currently spending the night on the university campus to resist the President’s visit.
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