Buchanan, Grand Bassa County – Aggrieved teachers of the Grand Bassa Community College (GBCC) have expressed a vote-of-no-confidence in the President of the college, Dr. Levi Zangai.
The teachers voted 49 in favor, 2 against and 3 abstaining following a go-slow action over delays in getting their salaries coupled with several other concerns.
The teachers, on Monday – June 6 dropped their chalks, calling for the resignation of Dr. Zangai for what they termed as his inability to properly manage the affairs of the college.
They claimed, amongst other things, that he has failed to ensure social security benefits for three employees who have died and he has also reneged on getting their post-Ebola financial benefits.
The teachers furthered that the Zangai led administration cannot account for over US$900,000 deducted from their salary for the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP) insurance scheme.
The teachers also claimed that Dr. Zangai has failed to provide clear information about post-Ebola benefits due them.
The aggravated teachers and employees led by Philip Johnson and Alexander Ganyou told reporters that they are resolved and will not return to work until Dr. Zangai steps down.
Meanwhile, the students’ leaders at the GBCC say they will avoid commenting on the labor issues that the teachers have raised but will only continue to appeal for the teachers to reconsider their decision.
The teachers protest has stalled the holding of mid-term exams at the GBCC. Hundreds of students on Monday gathered both at the GBCC Paynesberry and Bassa High Campuses to begin their exams when the teachers opted to discuss their fate in Dr. Levi Zangai.
On early Monday morning, Dr. Zangai questioned the legitimacy of the aggrieved teachers when he appeared on a local radio talk show.
A late Monday evening intervention by Mr. Wesseh Weah Bestman, who represents Equatorial Palm Oil (EPO) on the board failed as the teachers refused to reverse their decision against Dr. Zangai.
Since the establishment of the GBCC in 2008 by an act of the national legislature following persistent demands and protests by youth of Grand Bassa County, the college has struggled for support.
However, it has graduated over 500 students in two separate graduation exercises prompting praises from who assert that the GBCC can filled the tertiary education void for Rivercess and Grand Bassa Counties.
The now under-fire Zangai has often outlined the need to increase budgetary support for the college from US$600,000 to US$800,000.