Published: May 27, 2025
Gbarnga, Bong County – Students at the Lutheran University of Liberia’s Phebe-Esther Bacon College of Health Sciences in Suakoko District staged a protest this week, demanding improved dormitory conditions and better academic services.
The demonstration led to a temporary shutdown of the campus, as students blocked lecturers and administrative staff from entering classrooms and offices. Faculty members who arrived early reportedly fled, fearing unrest.
Carrying placards and makeshift bedding, students marched across the campus and halted all academic activities. They presented a 14-point petition to the university administration, calling for immediate reforms.
Among their demands are the resignation of Assistant Dean Ida A. C. Brown, the recruitment of qualified lecturers, renovation of dormitories, clarification of the graduation schedule, accreditation of the Laboratory Department, and transparency in registration fees. Students are also calling for adjustments to the 2025 academic calendar, better customer service, and expansion of the Medical Laboratory Practicum program.
Seima S. Walker, spokesperson for the protestors, accused the university of hiring underqualified instructors and neglecting basic facilities.
“They hired lecturers that some of us are more qualified than,” Walker said. “We’re not learning anything. The dormitories are deplorable, and the school facilities are filthy.”
Walker also criticized the administration for scheduling only one semester per year, which students say has significantly delayed their academic progress.
“We’re tired of doing just one semester a year. Some of us have been here for six years and still haven’t earned a BSc,” he said.
Students vowed to continue the protest until their concerns are addressed.
As of press time, no member of the university administration had returned to campus since the protest began.
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