Monrovia – The President of the University of Liberia (UL), Dr. Layli Maparyan, has launched her tenure with decisive actions aimed at addressing longstanding issues at the state-run institution. As part of her first 100 days’ deliverables, she has prioritized the immediate payment of part-time staff, signaling a commitment to tackle faculty grievances.
Speaking at the University of Liberia Faculty and Staff Association’s (ULFASA) General Assembly on the Fendall Campus on Friday, January 16, 2025, Dr. Maparyan pledged to use a mix of immediate and gradual approaches to address the challenges faced by faculty and staff. She underscored her dedication to resolving salary disparities, ensuring fair compensation, and regularizing faculty payments.
“Each issue requires a unique solution and timeline,” Dr. Maparyan said. She emphasized that paying part-time workers is her top priority, adding that efforts to achieve this are already underway.
Commitment to Reopening and Regularization
Dr. Maparyan expressed optimism about reopening the university and normalizing its operations. “I recently toured the Capitol Hill Campus and observed the presence of students, faculty, administrators, and staff, which assured me that the university is coming back to life,” she noted.
As part of her initial objectives, she also highlighted plans to regularize the university’s academic calendar. Additionally, Dr. Maparyan acknowledged the pressing need to improve sanitation facilities. She admitted that while some bathrooms have undergone renovation, they remain inadequate for staff and students.
To expedite improvements, Dr. Maparyan disclosed that the Minister of Finance and Development Planning has committed financial support to upgrade the university’s facilities.
Budget Constraints and Prioritization
Addressing the university’s financial situation, Dr. Maparyan pointed to the 2025 National Budget’s allocation of US$33.9 million for UL, noting that over 90 percent is earmarked for salaries. “This leaves only 10 percent for other operational needs,” she explained. Despite these constraints, she assured the faculty that urgent issues would be addressed immediately, while less critical ones would be tackled gradually.
Challenges of Budget Execution
Dr. Maparyan highlighted a systemic issue affecting timely payments, particularly for part-time staff. “When new staff are hired mid-year, it disrupts the approved budget,” she said. To address this, she plans to implement measures that align hiring practices with budgetary allocations.
Payroll Cleanup Initiative
To ensure fiscal discipline, Dr. Maparyan has engaged the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to conduct a payroll cleanup exercise. She emphasized the importance of identifying and eliminating inefficiencies, a task requiring collaboration with various institutions. “This process will take time but is achievable with the support of staff and stakeholders,” she asserted.
Plans to Secure External Funding
Dr. Maparyan also outlined her vision to secure external funding for the university. “We need to revisit the University of Liberia’s endowment fund and explore its potential to generate consistent financial support through strategic investments,” she said. The UL President assured the assembly of her commitment to transparency, promising to keep faculty and staff informed about funding sources and their utilization.
Focus on the ‘5Ps’ Framework
Dr. Maparyan pledged to elevate UL through a framework she calls the ‘5Ps’: Education, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Excellence, and Ethics. She urged all staff to embrace this vision to collectively improve the university’s standards.
ULFASA’s Response
Speaking earlier, ULFASA President Dr. Edna Johnny reiterated the importance of implementing the memorandum of understanding between the faculty and the administration. She highlighted critical issues, including timely payment of salaries, improving working conditions, providing instructional materials, and addressing salary disparities.
Dr. Johnny commended the administration’s focus on paying part-timers and improving bathrooms, crediting Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan for his commitment. “He promised that by next week, part-timers will start receiving their payments, and we’re holding him to his word,” she said.
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