– Stages protest against her today
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia: Dr. Layli Maparyan, President of the state-run University of Liberia (UL), is facing pressure to resign from her position. The calls for her resignation are being led by the Student Unification Party (SUP)—the university’s oldest and most influential student movement.
At a recent news conference, the student militant group levied a litany of grave accusations against President Maparyan, after just seven months in office, which they have branded a period of unmitigated failure and “disgraceful stewardship.”
The SUP’s indictment, signed by Secretary-General Odecious Mulbah and Chairman Sylvester Wheeler, presents a six-point case for what they call her “catastrophe” of a tenure. The party condemns the persistent “dilapidated classrooms, offices, and bathrooms,” a complete lack of internet connectivity, and the absence of operational buses for an entire semester, leaving students stranded and underscoring a failure to manage basic needs.
SUP slammed the administration’s controversial decision to redesignate the limited-course vacation school as the official “second semester,” calling it an “affront” that made education inaccessible to the majority of the university’s 25,000 students.
The party cited a chaotic and neglected registration process that has left students in limbo, “anxious about receiving their grades” and jeopardizing their right to a timely education.
In the most explosive allegation, SUP accused Maparyan of aligning with “corrupt forces” to unjustly dismiss staff without transparency. They point to the dismissal of eight employees and the eight-month suspension of Mr. Aaron Sengbe, which they claim violates the recommendation of her own investigative committee. The dismissal of VP for Fiscal Affairs Isaac Gannet was labeled arbitrary, with Maparyan allegedly stating, “I’m the president and have the right to dismiss any vice president without question.”
Despite five international trips, SUP claims Maparyan has “not raised a single cent” for UL, while she draws a combined monthly salary of $15,000 ($7,300 non-taxable from UL and $7,700 taxable from the government). This stands in stark contrast, they note, to faculty who have gone unpaid for seven months.
The party alleges rampant corruption, presenting what they call evidence that Maparyan’s appointee, Lester Tenny, received a $14,000 retroactive payment just two weeks into his tenure, a move they label “favoritism” that “highlights her corrupt intent.”
The statement concludes with a final, unequivocal ultimatum: based on these “failures to restore decent infrastructure, normalize the academic calendar, resolve Add/Drop issues, reinstate unjustly dismissed staff, and cease corrupt practices,” Dr. Maparyan must resign immediately to save the university from “future catastrophe.” The University of Liberia Communications Officer did not respond to our inquiry in response to the students’ statement.
Maparyan’s Ascendancy:
Upon taking over in January of this year, Dr. Layli Maparyan whose also the Sixteen President of the University of Liberia intimated that one of unavoidable things that is required to get the University of Liberia to regain its status amongst universities of the nation, Africa and the world is regularizing faculty pay by getting a comprehensive payroll that is void of corruption.
She initially expressed her commitment to leading the institution into a new era of excellence. She spoke during a brief media engagement on Thursday, January 9, 2025. Her comments followed a meeting with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai at the Executive Mansion, where they discussed the university’s future and its pivotal role in the country’s development.
Dr. Maparyan highlighted her intention to tackle the pressing issues facing the university. “I will solve the problems that people never thought of and make everyone feel that the University of Liberia is a beacon, as the flagship university of the Republic,” she vows.
Dr. Maparyan’s leadership comes at a critical juncture for the University of Liberia, as it seeks to enhance its reputation and effectiveness in providing quality education.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., had already expressed confidence in Dr. Layli Maparyan. President Boakai, who is also a Visitor to the University, shared his optimism during an official meeting with Dr. Maparyan at the Executive Mansion on Thursday.
Speaking during the meeting, President Boakai warmly welcomed Dr. Maparyan, stating that her appointment marks a new chapter for the University of Liberia. “Liberia is not new to you, and we are excited to have you at the helm of this historic institution,” the President remarked.
President Boakai also commended the UL Board of Trustees for their dedication and rigorous efforts throughout the selection process, noting that their decision to unanimous approval of Dr. Maparyan reflects their commitment to excellence in leadership. “The Board’s work was thorough, and we appreciate the diligence it took to reach this point,” he said.
Board of Trustees Chairman, Grand Kru County Senator Numene T.H. Bartekwa, presented Dr. Maparyan to the President, expressing his confidence in her ability to address the longstanding challenges facing the University. Outgoing UL President, Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, also lauded the integrity of the selection process, noting that it adhered to international standards and brought forth a highly qualified leader.
According to a release from the Executive Mansion on January 5, 2025, Dr. Maparyan’s appointment was approved by the University’s Board of Trustees under the University of Liberia’s Charter. In his letter of appointment, President Boakai expressed confidence in Dr. Maparyan’s ability, integrity, and experience, trusting that she will demonstrate these qualities in her service to the University and the nation.
The Executive Mansion stated that her selection followed a rigorous search process by the University of Liberia Board of Trustees Search Committee, which identified her as a leading candidate. Notably, Dr. Maparyan’s ties to Liberia date back to her tenure as a Fulbright Specialist at the University of Liberia in 2010, and she has received numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Citizen Award for Service to the Liberian Community in 2009.
By Article IV, Section 1 of the University’s Charter, President Boakai nominated Dr. Maparyan on December 18, 2024. The Board of Trustees convened on December 23, 2024, and unanimously approved her nomination, paving the way for her to lead the university.
Controversy emerged following Dr. Layli Maparyan’s appointment as president of the State-run University of Liberia. While some praised the decision, others argue that a Liberian should have been prioritized for the role. About twenty-two candidates applied for the position, with the majority being Liberians. However, after what the Executive Mansion characterized as a “rigorous search process,” Dr. Layli Maparyan was ultimately selected as the best-suited candidate.
