‎Dr. Maparyan Confident of UL Reopening, Says Admin is Working to Address Faculty-Staff Standoff

Monrovia, Liberia: The President of the University of Liberia (UL), Dr. Layli Maparyan, has outlined a series of ongoing interventions toward addressing the plights of faculty and staff members that have brought academic activities at the nation's premier university to a temporary standstill.

By: Contributing Writer, Melvin Vakum

Dr. Maparyan’s statement comes as both the Faculty and Staff associations remain on a glow-slow, demanding adjustment of salary, change of instructors’ statuses based on qualification, provision of operational funds for units and 40% increment of NASSCORP benefit among others.

Responding to these concerns in her latest radio appearance on Monday, August 10, 2026, the UL President said key measures have already been instituted, with the validation of salary disparity data for onward corrective proposal in the upcoming Fiscal Year national budget.

She said the move aims to sort out discrepancies and prevent any future occurrences. Further speaking, Dr. Layli Maparyan noted that the government of Liberia has agreed to fully settle UL’s outstanding NASSCORP social security payments.

According to her, this move will allow NASSCORP to immediately enroll in eligible retirees and ensure they receive full legal pensions. 

Addressing infrastructure and transportation challenges, the UL President highlighted that efforts are currently underway to reform major structures including classrooms, latrines, and labs among others.

She said the UL administration will soon begin a $6.3 million modernization program, including a new 25‑classroom building at Fendall and major upgrades at Capitol Hill, Dogliotti, and Straz‑Sinje campuses.

"When I came, one of the first problems that confronted me, was UL bathroom.‎And you know, I, like everybody else was appalled of the state and vexed that people's dignity wasn't just respected with the condition of the bathroom." she asserted.

In addition, Dr. Maparyan announced that new 62‑seater buses for students, faculty, and staff have been ordered from India through the National Transportation Authority.

She said the University will conduct a transportation demand survey in September 2026 to finalize designated routes.

Meanwhile, the UL President cautioned facility and staff member to see the prevailing challenges at the state-run university as long-standing concerns that require critical approach to be addressed.

Dr. Layli Maparyan urged staff members to return to active duties as their plights are being catered to. She expressed optimism that the administration will amicably handle the matter and ensure that the scheduled August 25, 2026 resumption of academic activities is successful.

"The Board of Trustees has issued a clear directive: UL must reopen on August 25, and all faculty and staff must return to work. The should be seen reopening as a moral obligation to students, noting, “Every day our gates remain closed, a young Liberian’s future is put on hold", she has earlier said in a statement.

The University of Liberia founded in 1862, is home to thousands of Liberians as well as foreign residents seeking higher education.