By G Bennie Bravo Johnson, I.
In a visit signaling a potential shift in legal education governance, the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) has called for sweeping reforms at the University of Liberia’s Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, including independent financial control and personnel management, as it met with newly appointed UL President Dr. Layii M. Tappa-Mayen.
Led by its National President, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, the LNBA delegation on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, paid what was formally termed a “courtesy visit” to Dr. Tappa-Mayen. But the conversation that unfolded went far beyond ceremonial pleasantries and delved into pressing institutional challenges, policy reforms, and the future direction of legal education in Liberia.
The LNBA expressed grave concern about the operational limitations currently affecting the Law School and emphasized the urgent need to restore its semi-autonomous status. The Bar proposed that the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law be empowered to independently seek and manage its financial support, and exercise greater autonomy over faculty and administrative staffing decisions with minimal interference from UL’s central administration.
“Our interest is not merely symbolic; we are deeply invested in ensuring the Law School functions efficiently and independently,” said Cllr. Varmah. “We believe the Law School must be allowed to chart its own administrative course to produce legal minds capable of transforming the judiciary and national governance.”
According to Cllr. Varmah, the Bar’s stance is rooted in the broader objective of protecting academic freedom, improving governance, and ensuring the Law School remains a credible institution for legal training in Liberia. He noted that the Law School cannot fulfill its mandate under the weight of bureaucracy and urged the UL President to support reforms that would unshackle the institution from what he described as “administrative bottlenecks.”
The Bar commended Dr. Tappa-Mayen’s early disciplinary actions targeting academic malpractice, including the dismissal and suspension of students and staff involved in unethical behavior. These measures, the LNBA said, are necessary for restoring the university’s academic reputation, which has suffered from years of credibility erosion. The Bar praised these bold steps as demonstrating leadership that prioritizes integrity over popularity.
“These are the kinds of courageous decisions we need from our academic leaders,” said Cllr. Varmah. “The days of impunity in academic spaces must end. We fully support the University’s drive to cleanse its ranks of malfeasance.”
In response, Dr. Tappa-Mayen welcomed the LNBA’s support and reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to rooting out malpractice, improving service delivery, and repositioning the University of Liberia to meet international standards. She acknowledged the magnitude of the challenges ahead but emphasized her resolve to address longstanding systemic issues.
“I am grateful to the LNBA for this visit and for the trust placed in my leadership,” Dr. Tappa-Mayen stated. “This University must evolve into a center of excellence and integrity, and I am fully committed to making that vision a reality.”
She outlined her key priorities, noting that reliable access to electricity and water, rehabilitation of deteriorating infrastructure, and the construction of new academic buildings were top on her agenda. “We must address the fundamentals before we can compete globally,” she added.
The LNBA also pushed for the reactivation of international legal education partnerships, citing the successful past collaboration with Indiana University School of Law. That effort, according to the Bar, produced several accomplished legal professionals and demonstrated the value of sustained international engagement in Liberia’s legal education system. The Bar believes similar initiatives can play a vital role in rebuilding Liberia’s legal education infrastructure.
In a symbolic but significant move, the LNBA accepted UL’s invitation to serve on the vetting panel for candidates seeking to become Dean of the Law School and pledged to name its representatives shortly. The Bar described the invitation as an honor and emphasized its readiness to contribute technical guidance during the selection process.
“This is not just a procedural role for us,” Cllr. Varmah noted. “The future of the Law School depends on the kind of leadership it attracts. We intend to play our part in ensuring the best candidate is selected.”
On the international front, the LNBA used the occasion to applaud Liberia’s recent election to the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member. The Bar described the June 3 milestone as a diplomatic breakthrough that positions Liberia to influence decisions on global peace and security.
“This is a proud moment for Liberia,” the LNBA National President declared. “Our nation’s voice will now echo in the chambers where the world’s most critical decisions are made. We urge our government to uphold the democratic ideals and transparency this new position demands.”
According to Cllr. Varmah, this is not just a diplomatic victory but a test of Liberia’s readiness to contribute to the international order. He urged the Boakai administration to approach this responsibility with transparency, democratic integrity, and adherence to international norms.
The meeting between the LNBA and the UL President comes at a time of heightened national discourse on institutional reform and the rule of law. With the Bar Association now pushing for operational independence at the Law School and the University signaling readiness for accountability, Liberia may be on the verge of a new era in legal education.
The LNBA concluded its visit by reiterating its commitment to advancing justice, accountability, and the rule of law, both within Liberia and on the global stage. In a final declaration, the Bar stated, “May God bless the Government and People of the Republic of Liberia and prosper the State.”
