UL Student Groupings Opposed President Boakai's Interim Appointment; Call for Immediate Resumption of Classes

Monrovia: Several student groupings at the University of Liberia have termed President Joseph Boakai's action to relieve the current university president and appoint an interim president as an overnight decision that will not be accepted.

On Monday, June 24, President Boakai relieved Dr. Julius Nelson of his position as President of the state-run university and appointed Al-Hassan Conteh as acting president to lead the interim management team.

An Executive Mansion release said the president's action followed a series of meetings held with the institution's Board of Trustees and stakeholders after the Faculty and Staff Association demanded the removal of Dr. Nelson amidst their unsettled arrears before resolving to resume lectures for classes at the university.

But addressing a major press conference, the student groupings, including SUP, PROSA, ULSU, and STUDA among others said it is unjust for President Joseph Boakai to make a decision that affects over 20 thousand students without considering the largest constituents of the University which are the student representatives.

Speaking on behalf of the student groupings, the head student activist, Mary Kerkulah described the President's decision as a disregard for the student body of the University, stating they stand by the June 19th resolution agreed with the Board of Trustees which calls for the immediate resumption of classes.

“We believe as an institution and the largest constituent party of the university. The June 19, 2024 resolution represents organizations which should be respected and regard by all constituent stakeholders of the university who attended said meeting. Undermining the resolution without the knowledge of others is a gross disregard and disrespect to us the students.’’

‘’And consequently, we are not going to accept and endorsed an over overnight decision of an interim arrangement that we were not a part of. We believe that if there is any change in the decision which was derived after a long period of conversation, dialogue and negotiation, we expect similar step be taken to avoid the situation of unilateral decision that undermine the democratic values and overwhelming interest of the students of the University of Liberia’’, the student grouping head, Mary Kerkulah pointed out.

 Meanwhile, student groupings have vowed to ensure that students gathered in the masses this Wednesday to petition the national legislature and demand the immediate resumption of academic activities.

“With immediate effect, ULSU calls on all students of the University of Liberia to assemble on the Capital Hill Campus of the University, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, to petition the national legislature and demand the immediate resumption of school activities at the state-run university’’. The group through its head disclosed.

By: Roland James/Kool 91.9 FM Political/Human interest/Sports Reporter