Published: March 4, 2026
MONROVIA — A governance standoff is intensifying at the University of Liberia (UL) as the University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA) openly challenged the authority of the Board of Trustees (BoT) over its decision to halt the announcement of a Law School dux during graduation exercises.
The dispute centers on Ms. Izetta Jones-Howe, who was initially announced as dux of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law’s 105th graduating class ahead of formal commencement ceremonies. Following the announcement, several students raised objections, claiming irregularities in the selection process.
The controversy quickly spread across social media platforms, igniting national debate and prompting competing statements from the university’s administration and its governing board.
President Confirms Howe’s Status
In response to the public outcry, University President Dr. Layli Maparyan issued a firm statement confirming Jones-Howe as the official valedictorian.
According to the president, the university reviewed Howe’s academic records, consulted key academic officials and verified that the selection process adhered to established procedures, including recommendations from the Registrar and approval by the Faculty Senate.
Dr. Maparyan emphasized that valedictorian status is distinct from Honor Roll or Special Honors and urged that academic concerns be handled internally to protect the institution’s reputation.
Board Orders Halt Pending Investigation
In what many described as a surprising turn, the Board of Trustees issued a separate directive urging the administration to suspend the announcement of a Law School dux until a board-commissioned investigation is concluded.
“In light of the complaint filed by several graduating students and the additional information that has come to the knowledge of the UL Administration and Board of Trustee, the Board has recommended to the UL Administration to table the issue of announcing a Law School Dux of the 2025 graduating class until an investigation commissioned has been completed,” the statement read.
The release was signed by Board Chairman Senator Numene T. H. Bartewka of Grand Kru County.
The Board further stated that the president’s earlier pronouncement was based on information available at the time and that additional details have since emerged.
“In view thereof, the Board of Trustees has prevailed on the UL Administration to table the matter of announcing a Dux for the Law School during the graduation until a clear determination is made after the Board-commissioned investigation is concluded,” the Board noted.
Trustees argued that postponing the announcement would have no material impact on the graduation ceremony and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to academic integrity.
“All parties are asked to remain calm,” the statement emphasized.
ULFA Pushes Back on Governance Grounds
In a strongly worded response issued Monday, March 2, ULFA expressed “deep concern” over what it described as a departure from the established framework of shared governance.
“This is concerning because, under the usual structure of shared governance, the board of trustees approves programs offered at the University while the faculty ‘own’ the curricula, determine its content, pedagogy and evaluate students. In the same light, the faculty senate, supervised by the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), has the front-line responsibility of ensuring academic standards and clearance for awarding of degrees,” ULFA stated.
The Association argued that if any party believes the academic process was misapplied, the Board — as the highest institutional authority — should ordinarily return the matter to the Faculty Senate through the president for correction rather than issue what it views as a final directive.
“If on the other hand the board must act before it has established that baseline, then it must be prepared to articulate the principles that form the basis for its current actions; making sure it applies those policies and practices consistently and transparently,” ULFA added.
Fiduciary Responsibility and Institutional Image
ULFA further emphasized that the Board’s fiduciary duties extend not only to the University but also to the public.
“Arguably, therefore, the fiduciary responsibilities of the Board are as much to the public as to the University. It is therefore incumbent upon the Board of Trustees to pay particularly close attention to how the institution is fulfilling its mission in terms of quality (lectures, classrooms, laboratory experience and the broader learning environment) and policies,” the release noted.
The Association stressed that trustees must ensure resources are appropriately allocated, audit results and hold leadership accountable while maintaining consistency and transparency in decision-making.
“As a result of this opprobrium these recent activities have brought to the image of the University,” ULFA concluded.
Institutional Tensions Ahead of Graduation
The unfolding dispute underscores deeper tensions over academic authority and institutional governance at Liberia’s flagship public university.
While the Board maintains its intervention is necessary to protect academic integrity, faculty leaders argue that established governance structures must be respected to preserve institutional autonomy and shared oversight.
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