-As IT Students Threaten Over Laboratory, Program Concerns
By Shallon S. Gonlor |
shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia — Students of the Information Technology (IT) Department at Nimba University’s College of Engineering and Geo-Science have threatened to stage a major protest on the university’s campus on Monday, September 14, 2026, if the administration fails to address a series of concerns they say are undermining the quality of their education and the development of their technical skills.
The students have given the university administration two working days from the date of their communication, September 10, 2026, to begin addressing their concerns.
In a formal communication signed by three student representatives and approved by the concerned students’ leader, Kelvin W. Leadopoe, the aggrieved IT students outlined six major demands, citing what they described as persistent challenges within the department since the establishment of the program.
According to the students, the condition of the department’s computer laboratory, inadequate equipment, limited access to technology and insufficient practical-learning opportunities are making it increasingly difficult for them to acquire the hands-on skills required of Information Technology graduates.
The students expressed particular concern about the alleged lack of functional and up-to-date computers, unreliable or limited internet connectivity, inadequate practical materials and the overall condition of the IT laboratory.
They argued that Information Technology is a practical-oriented discipline that requires students to regularly work with computers, networking equipment, software development tools, hardware components and internet-based resources.
Six Major Demands
In their communication, the students identified six specific areas they want the university administration to urgently address.
First, they called for the appointment or assignment of an active Program Director to coordinate, supervise and oversee the affairs of the Information Technology Department.
Second, they requested the provision of functional and up-to-date computers to enable students to participate effectively in practical sessions and complete assignments requiring computer-based applications.
Third, the students demanded reliable internet access to support academic research, programming, networking, software development and other IT-related activities.
Fourth, they called for the renovation and improvement of the IT laboratory, arguing that its current condition does not provide an adequate and conducive environment for practical learning.
Fifth, the students requested the provision of practical materials and equipment for hardware-related courses, including the necessary tools, components and other resources required to give students meaningful hands-on experience.
Sixth, they called for improved practical-learning opportunities to enable students to properly apply the theoretical concepts taught in the classroom.
The students said their concerns are not new, claiming that they have brought the issues to the attention of the university administration on several occasions over the past two semesters.
Despite what they described as repeated engagements and appeals, the students claimed that they have yet to see the necessary improvements.
Students Warn of Collective Action
The IT students are now demanding immediate intervention from the administration, warning that failure to respond within the requested two-working-day period could lead to collective action.
They indicated that they may withhold participation in classes involving other departments and stage a major protest on Monday, September 14, if their concerns remain unaddressed.
The students emphasized that protest action is not their preferred course of action, but said they believe it may become necessary after what they described as two semesters of unsuccessful engagement with the university administration.
They maintained that their objective is not to create conflict with university authorities, but to seek the resources, facilities and learning environment necessary to enable them to receive quality Information Technology education.
Call for Urgent Administrative Intervention
The students stressed that practical training is an essential component of Information Technology education and warned that continued shortages of equipment and inadequate laboratory facilities could negatively affect their academic development and preparedness for the job market.
They said students should not graduate from an Information Technology program without adequate opportunities to practice and develop the technical skills being taught in the classroom.
According to the students, access to functional computers, reliable internet connectivity, appropriate laboratory equipment and effective departmental leadership is essential to ensuring that the IT program adequately prepares students for an increasingly technology-driven employment environment.
They are therefore calling on the university administration to treat their concerns as urgent and take concrete steps toward upgrading the IT laboratory and improving the overall delivery of the Information Technology program.
The students also appealed for dialogue with university authorities, expressing hope that the administration will respond positively before the expiration of their two-working-day deadline and avert the planned protest.
As of the issuance of the September 10 communication, the students’ statement did not indicate whether the university administration had formally responded to their demands.
The development places pressure on the university administration to address the students’ concerns before Monday, September 14, when the students say they could take collective action if no meaningful response is provided.
The students’ concerns come as Nimba University enters the second week of its new academic activities for the 2026 academic year, raising questions about whether the reported challenges could affect the delivery of practical instruction and students’ academic progress if left unresolved.
