Published: June 22, 2026
MONROVIA — The Liberia National Students Union (LINSU) and the National Students Command of Liberia (NASCOL) have called for the immediate reinstatement of suspended student activist Michael N. Blojaye and urged the government to consider shutting down the Adventist University of West Africa (AUWA), accusing the institution of defying educational authorities and violating student rights. Blojaye was suspended for time indefinite by the university following his outburst and adovaccy against the payment of US$755 as graduation fee.
The graduating class of AUWA argued that it was prepared to pay US$455 but, instead, has been compelled to pay almost twice the amount, something the students vow not to do as financial constraints remain prevalent and pressing.
In a strongly worded statement issued Saturday, the two student organizations jointly condemned what they described as the “arbitrary and indefinite suspension” of graduating senior Michael N. Blojaye, arguing that the university’s actions undermine academic freedom, due process and the rights of students to advocate for issues affecting their welfare.
The student groups also warned that continued inaction could trigger unspecified consequences, saying the broader student movement across Liberia is prepared to intensify advocacy efforts if justice is not served.
The controversy centers on Blojaye’s suspension following his outspoken opposition to graduation fees that many students reportedly considered excessive and unaffordable. According to LINSU and NASCOL, the student leader had raised concerns on behalf of fellow students struggling to meet financial obligations amid Liberia’s challenging economic conditions. The organizations contend that Blojaye’s actions constituted legitimate student advocacy rather than misconduct warranting disciplinary measures. “Education remains a fundamental right and not a privilege reserved for a privileged few,” the statement said.
The dispute has drawn significant attention within Liberia’s academic community, highlighting longstanding concerns over access to higher education, student representation and institutional accountability. LINSU, the umbrella organization representing Liberian students nationwide, said it had worked extensively alongside NASCOL and other stakeholders to seek a peaceful resolution to the impasse. The groups said they had engaged the Ministry of Education, the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE), AUWA administrators and other relevant actors in an effort to resolve the matter through dialogue.
Despite those efforts, the organizations accused AUWA of refusing to comply with recommendations and interventions from educational authorities. “It is deeply regrettable that AUWA continues to maintain a posture of non-compliance and apparent disregard for the recommendations and directives aimed at securing the reinstatement of a student who has committed absolutely no crime,” the statement said.
The statement was signed by NASCOL Secretary-General Octavious Bensayda James, LINSU Secretary-General Darius S. Toweh, NASCOL President Jesse Fayiah Windor and LINSU President James K. Washington.
The student bodies argued that the university’s alleged refusal to heed guidance from national education regulators raises broader concerns about governance and oversight within Liberia’s higher education sector. According to the groups, educational institutions operating under Liberian law should be accountable to regulatory authorities and should not be allowed to disregard official directives. “We find it particularly troubling that an institution operating under the educational laws and regulatory framework of the Republic of Liberia would openly disregard the position of the very authorities entrusted with supervising and regulating higher education in the country,” the statement noted.
The organizations further alleged that AUWA has continued preparations for graduation activities while Blojaye remains suspended, despite repeated attempts at mediation and diplomatic engagement. The timing of the dispute has intensified concerns among students and supporters because AUWA’s graduation ceremony was scheduled for Sunday, June 21.
LINSU and NASCOL urged the Ministry of Education and the National Commission on Higher Education to take immediate action to guarantee Blojaye’s participation in the ceremony. The groups described the student’s suspension as a serious injustice and maintained that his only offense was advocating on behalf of fellow students burdened by rising educational costs.
In one of the strongest portions of the statement, the student organizations called on the government to consider suspending AUWA’s operations until the institution demonstrates full compliance with Liberia’s educational laws and regulatory framework. “No institution should be permitted to operate above the authority of the state or in defiance of duly constituted regulatory bodies,” the statement declared.
The demand for closure marks a significant escalation in tensions between student advocates and university administrators, potentially setting the stage for a broader confrontation over student rights and institutional governance in Liberia. The dispute also comes at a time when concerns about the affordability of higher education continue to dominate discussions among students and families across the country.
Many Liberians have struggled with economic hardships, including unemployment, inflation and rising living costs, making university expenses increasingly difficult to bear. Student leaders argue that additional fees imposed by institutions can create barriers to graduation and further widen educational inequalities. Beyond the immediate case involving Blojaye, LINSU and NASCOL framed the issue as part of a larger struggle for transparency, accountability and democratic participation within Liberia’s education system.
The organizations pledged to continue mobilizing students nationwide while pursuing lawful and peaceful means of advocacy. They said future actions would include engagement with civil society organizations, petitions to national and international bodies and other democratic measures designed to secure justice.
The groups also sought to emphasize their commitment to peaceful engagement and the rule of law. “As organizations committed to justice, democracy, accountability and student welfare, we remain guided by the principles of peaceful engagement, collective responsibility and respect for the rule of law,” the statement said. However, the organizations warned that they reserve the right to determine additional courses of action if the situation remains unresolved.
While they did not specify what measures could follow, the warning suggests that student demonstrations, public campaigns or other forms of organized action could emerge if authorities fail to intervene. The student organizations also stated that AUWA and relevant authorities should be held accountable for any emotional, psychological or academic harm suffered by Blojaye as a result of the suspension.
For many student activists, the case has become symbolic of broader questions about whether students can freely challenge university policies without fear of retaliation. As of Saturday evening, AUWA had not publicly responded to the latest demands issued by LINSU and NASCOL. It was also unclear whether the Ministry of Education or the National Commission on Higher Education would take immediate action before the scheduled graduation ceremony.
Meanwhile, student leaders insist that the campaign will continue until Blojaye is reinstated and allowed to complete his academic journey without further obstacles. “The voice of Liberian students cannot and will not be silenced,” the organizations said. They concluded saying, “The struggle for justice, fairness, accountability and respect for student rights shall continue until Comrade Michael N. Blojaye is reinstated, allowed to participate in his graduation, and justice is fully served.”
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