MONROVIA – Cllr. Ebenizer Z. Gibson, keynote speaker of the 2024 University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA) Day and a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Central Bank of Liberia, has sharply criticized the University of Liberia (UL) administration for its failure to improve retention rates and for “rejecting” young professionals who have returned from international studies eager to contribute to the education sector.
Speaking at the ULFA Day celebration held over the weekend at the Fendell Campus under the theme “Transition with Inclusion,” Cllr. Gibson stressed that many young Liberians have studied abroad and returned with high hopes of giving back to the university, only to be met with disappointment. “I’m here to say this: this university has failed us on numerous occasions when it comes to retention,” he declared.
The legal expert, who also serves as Managing Director of Mesurado Law Partners Inc., expressed frustration with the UL administration, noting that he knows several individuals who were sent by the university to obtain Master’s and Ph.D. degrees. However, upon their return, they became discouraged by the institution’s lack of support and ultimately left.
“How can you claim to be a leader and allow that to happen? I tell you, you are not a good leader if you continue to do that,” Cllr. Gibson asserted. He also criticized the university for not implementing a clear policy for the promotion of long-serving employees.
Cllr. Ebenizer Z. Gibson
“There are employees who have taught at this university for over 20 years, and yet there is no policy for promotion,” he pointed out. “Some of us have added value to ourselves. In fact, I’ve been a faculty member in the Department of Economics and served as Legal Advisor. When there are legal issues, especially within the A. Romeo Horton College of Business and Public Administration, the Dean asks for my legal opinions. But despite being with UL for more than 20 years since returning from my studies, there has been no promotion.”
Cllr. Gibson emphasized that the university’s failure to retain its brightest minds is detrimental to its reputation and growth. He argued that UL’s prestige is linked to the caliber of individuals it trains and how they give back to society.
In his address, he also urged the UL leadership to recognize the importance of inclusion when making major decisions. “Inclusion should be at the heart of every policy, and these policies should be led by change-makers who can positively impact all areas of the institution,” he said.
Cllr. Gibson emphasized that an inclusive workplace is essential for a diverse workforce, allowing employees of different ages, religions, beliefs, sexual orientations, and identities to work together without conflict. He encouraged the UL administration to adopt policies promoting equality, opportunities for career advancement, diversity training, and mentorship programs.
“By leveraging the diverse talents and experiences of its employees, the University of Liberia can create a more dynamic, productive, and harmonious work environment,” he added.
Additionally, Cllr. Gibson outlined the benefits of an inclusive workplace, noting that projects focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion are opportunities for the administration to demonstrate its values and commitment to its staff. “These initiatives are personal and shape how people see themselves within the institution,” he said.
He highlighted several advantages of inclusion, including better innovation and creativity, improved employee retention and satisfaction, increased productivity, and greater market insight. He concluded by emphasizing that inclusion is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage that enhances employee engagement and contributes to organizational success.
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