Monrovia – The Civil Service Agency (CSA) has expressed grave concern over reports that lecturers from some public universities and colleges are planning to stage a nationwide “go-slow” action.
In a circular issued Friday, CSA Director-General Josiah F. Joekai, Jr. called on faculty members to remain calm, exercise restraint, and continue their teaching and academic responsibilities without disruption. “The CSA strongly advises all faculty members against engaging in any counterproductive course of action,” the circular read, adding that the agency views the reported plan with “grave concern.”
While the reasons behind the proposed go-slow remain unclear, the CSA reminded all faculty that as civil servants, they are bound by the Human Resource Policy Manual and the Standing Orders of the Civil Service. It urged aggrieved individuals to use established grievance and redress mechanisms that are already in place to address concerns in a lawful and professional manner.
The agency further warned that any instructor or professor who abandons duty or fails to perform assigned responsibilities will face administrative action in line with Civil Service regulations. “The full cooperation of all faculty is expected and appreciated to ensure the continuity of academic activities across all public universities and colleges,” the circular emphasized. The warning comes amid growing speculation that lecturers from several public institutions could withdraw their services, potentially disrupting learning activities nationwide.
The issue of go-slow action by lecturers is not strange in Liberia, especially for those at the University of Liberia (UL). Lecturers at the University of Liberia (UL) have often gone on strike when their just benefits are not being given as it should. However, they are not part of those who are planning the impending go-slow. Because of this, many have questioned the CSA release and describe it as a threat.
