Dr. Layli Maparyan Sets Ambitious Agenda for University of Liberia, Vows Swift Action on Critical Campus Challenges”

Monrovia, Liberia — Dr. Layli Maparyan, the newly appointed President of the University of Liberia, has outlined her vision for the institution in her first 100 days in office, emphasizing the importance of listening, learning, and addressing urgent challenges facing the university.

In a statement reflecting on her early days, Dr. Maparyan shared that when she first submitted her plan in July, her focus was to engage with all members of the university community— from the university’s leadership and faculty to staff and community partners. She also committed to conducting a thorough tour of all campuses to gain a firsthand understanding of the prevailing conditions.

“I wanted to begin with a humble posture of learning, to avoid making assumptions about what needs to be done without hearing from those who are directly involved,” Dr. Maparyan said. “The first step was to listen and understand, because the real solutions come from asking the right questions and collaborating with others.”

However, less than a week into her tenure, Dr. Maparyan expressed an increased sense of urgency about several pressing issues. “My sense of urgency about the challenges facing the university has only grown stronger. I am inclined to add action items to my original 100-day plan to address these areas more swiftly,” she noted. “We cannot afford to wait any longer for some of the vital steps needed to elevate the flagship university.”

Dr. Maparyan emphasized the importance of collective action, stating, “We solve problems together. It is essential that we all show up and contribute to the solutions.” She also confirmed that the university is set to resume operations on Monday, January 13, after a break, with a focus on tackling the critical issues ahead.

Looking forward, Dr. Maparyan expressed her enthusiasm about the road ahead, promising to move rapidly toward institutional reforms and improvements, beginning with foundational initiatives aimed at revitalizing the university.

“As we move forward, I am excited about the opportunity to make meaningful progress,” she said. “We will act swiftly to put us on a path of regularizing processes, strengthening our core functions, and ultimately ensuring that the University of Liberia remains a beacon of excellence.”

During a recent tour of the University’s Fendall campus, Kool TV found that the state-run institution was in a state of severe neglect. The campus, which is expected to serve thousands of students, is plagued by inadequate facilities. From filthy restrooms to dilapidated classrooms, it’s clear that the conditions do not reflect the importance of a flagship university. With students set to return on January 13, 2025, the urgency for change has never been greater.

University of Liberia Fendell Campus Paynesville 

The outgoing president, Dr. Ai-Hassan Conteh, has firmly denied accusations of mismanaging over $34 million intended for campus renovations. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story: the campus remains in disarray, with no science labs, broken facilities, and a lack of basic cleanliness and maintenance.

Amidst these daunting challenges, Dr. Layli Maparyan has committed to a bold vision of transformation rooted in education, effectiveness, efficiency, excellence, and ethics.