Kakata — In a series of serious allegations, employees of Booker Washington Institute (BWI), represented by the Booker Washington Institute Workers Union (BOWIWU), have accused the school’s Principal, Dr. Nancy T. Freeman, of financial mismanagement, salary disparities, and poor administrative oversight.
By: Yawah Y. Jaivey
The grievances, expressed in a press release issued by the union on Monday, detail claims of widespread inefficiency and unethical practices under Dr. Freeman’s leadership.
With over 200 employees — including teachers, janitors, and security personnel— coming forward, the union is demanding greater accountability and transparency from the school’s administration.
Matthew K. Gungrien, spokesperson for the workers, outlined multiple concerns that have left the workforce disillusioned.
Among the key accusations, Gungrien claims Dr. Freeman’s administration has failed to implement a fair and transparent salary system. He argues that inconsistent pay and unclear payment schedules have led to low morale across the institution.
“There’s no structured salary scale in place. Staff are often left in the dark about their pay,” Gungrien remarked, stressing the financial instability caused by these practices.
In addition to salary issues, the workers have voiced concerns over the shortage of essential instructional materials, particularly in the school’s technical and vocational departments.
Gungrien also alleged that funds meant for the TVET (Technical Vocational Education and Training) program had been misused, with money diverted for unauthorized salary increases and excessive staff recruitment beyond the institution’s approved payroll limit.
The workers argue that Dr. Freeman’s leadership has contributed to the school’s ongoing struggles. “The administration operates on a trial-and-error basis,” Gungrien said. “This has led to delays in starting the academic year, disrupted campus activities, and undermined the overall functionality of the institution.”
Further adding to the grievances, Gungrien accused Dr. Freeman of neglecting the TVET project, which is integral to the institution’s mission.
According to the workers, Freeman’s lack of understanding of the program’s importance has led to its mismanagement and eventual neglect. The workforce also claims that Freeman has resorted to threatening staff members who voice their concerns, raising fears of retaliation against those advocating for change.
Calls for Accountability and Investigations
As part of their demands, BWI’s employees are calling on several government bodies to intervene.
They have requested a thorough investigation into the alleged financial irregularities at the school, including an audit of salary discrepancies and banking transactions, as well as a review of the payroll system and renovation projects. Gungrien emphasized the need for transparency, urging for the establishment of a clear salary structure that would provide fair compensation for all employees.
“We need a formalized pay scale and better resources for teaching and learning,” Gungrien stated. “There should also be an audit of all financial transactions between BWI and the Liberia Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI), as well as an investigation into the renovation project’s expenditures.”
The workers are also pushing for the implementation of proper retirement practices to guarantee benefits for retired staff and ensure that qualified replacements are hired.
Their calls for a comprehensive review of the institution’s finances aim to uncover the full extent of the alleged mismanagement.
Despite their concerns, the workers reaffirmed their commitment to Liberia’s national development agenda, including the 2030 Vision and the ARREST Agenda. They assert that their dedication to the country’s progress remains intact, but they are firm in their demand for better governance and institutional integrity at BWI.
Community and Government Response
The employees’ concerns extend beyond the school’s administration, calling on higher authorities to intervene. In their press statement, the BWI workforce has appealed to President Joseph N. Boakai Sr., the Margibi Legislative Caucus, the Civil Service Agency (CSA), and the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) to take swift action.
They are urging the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) to conduct a full investigation into the allegations and ensure accountability.
While the allegations have stirred significant unrest, the workers remain steadfast in their quest for justice and a better functioning BWI. As one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in Liberia, BWI’s future may depend on how these issues are addressed by those in positions of power.
When reached for comment, William Golay, the school’s Public Relations Officer, stated that Dr. Freeman was unavailable to respond to the accusations at the moment due to a cabinet meeting.
He assured that the principal would address the allegations at a later date.
