Sanniquellie City, Nimba County — The administration of Nimba University, formerly Nimba County Community College, has concluded its investigation into the October 9 protest that disrupted a planned donation visit by Nimba County Senator Nya D. Twayen Jr.
By Franklin Doloquee
The university has suspended the chairmen of two campus-based political organizations over their alleged roles in the incident.
Emmanuel B. Nenwon, Chairman of the Students’ Liberation Party (SLP), has been suspended for two semesters, while Princeton G. Quiah, Chairman of the SUP-PROSA Alliance, has been suspended for one semester.
According to a document released by the university administration, Nenwon was penalized for allegedly refusing to honor a directive from Vice President for Administration Melvin Yealue to disperse an assembly.
The administration described his action as “disrespect to constituted authority.” Quiah was suspended for allegedly spreading false information against the Vice President for Administration, promoting instability and tarnishing the image of the university.
Several other students were also reportedly disciplined in connection with the protest. The administration said its actions were taken in line with the Nimba University Student Handbook.
What Happened on October 9
Tensions erupted at the university on Friday, October 9 when Senator Twayen and his entourage visited the campus to donate solar-powered lights and a Starlink Internet Facility intended to support students’ research and learning.
The visit, however, became controversial after students surrounded the senator’s convoy and prevented it from leaving the campus.
The disagreement reportedly centered on which student political organization should receive the donated items and formally present them to the university administration.
An eyewitness told journalists that members of the outgoing leadership of the Students’ Liberation Party complained that the senator had not informed them about the visit.
The incoming leadership of the Student Unification Party (SUP) also insisted that it should receive the items, arguing that the donation was connected to commitments made during the student council election.
The standoff reportedly lasted more than four hours, with university staff attempting to negotiate with the students and restore calm. Senator Twayen later confirmed that some student leaders had besieged him and his entourage, but said the situation was eventually brought under control.
Donation Put on Hold
Following the disruption, Senator Twayen said his office would suspend the planned donation until another time. He did not disclose when the solar-powered lights and Starlink internet package would be delivered.
The senator’s visit had been intended to provide practical support to students, particularly in areas of research, digital connectivity and campus lighting. Instead, the disagreement over the donation overshadowed the presentation and left the intended benefits uncertain.
The university administration condemned the students’ conduct, describing it as unacceptable and inconsistent with the discipline expected at an institution of higher learning. It also apologized to Senator Twayen for the treatment he received during the visit.
Administration’s Decision
The university’s decision to suspend the two student leaders has drawn mixed reactions across Nimba County.
Supporters of the administration’s action argued that the suspension will serve as a warning to students who attempt to disrupt official activities, intimidate public officials, or prevent development initiatives from reaching the institution.
They said the university must protect its academic environment and ensure that visitors, donors and government officials can carry out legitimate activities without obstruction.
Critics, however, believe the punishment may deepen tensions between the administration and student political groups.
Some have questioned whether the university adequately addressed the underlying disagreement over student representation and the handling of donations before imposing disciplinary measures.
Public Reaction in Nimba
The incident has sparked heated discussion on several community radio stations in Nimba County. Some callers condemned the students’ behavior, saying it was wrong to prevent a senator from carrying out a donation intended to benefit the same students.
Others described the students’ conduct in harsh terms, with some comparing it to the violence associated with Liberia’s civil conflict. Such comparisons reflect the strong emotions the incident has generated, though they remain opinions expressed by radio callers rather than established facts.
Some callers also urged President Joseph Boakai to intervene in the matter and review what they described as concerns over representation within the university’s administration.
These claims reflect broader public frustration, but they have not been independently verified. Other residents supported the university’s decision, arguing that disciplinary action was necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future and to reinforce respect for institutional authority.
Former County Inspector’s Comment
The incident also drew reaction from B. Mack Gbilwon, a former county inspector during the administration of former President George Weah and a student of Nimba University. In a Facebook post, Gbilwon appeared to defend the students’ position, arguing that Senator Twayen’s visit and donation were not timely.
He further described the donation as small. His comments were condemned by many Nimbaians, who accused him of supporting behavior that disrupted a development-oriented visit to the university.
Critics argued that, as a student of the institution, he should have encouraged dialogue and peaceful engagement rather than appearing to justify the blockade.
The incident has raised wider questions about the relationship between student political organizations, university authorities, and public officials in Nimba County. While students have a right to express concerns and participate in campus governance, the university administration has emphasized that grievances must be channeled through peaceful and recognized procedures.
In its earlier statement, the institution warned that it would not tolerate misconduct that undermines its academic mission, integrity or reputation.
For many residents, the issue is no longer only about the blocked donation. It has become a test of whether Nimba University can maintain discipline, protect educational opportunities and manage political competition among student groups without allowing disputes to disrupt development efforts intended for the benefit of students.
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