Monrovia – The Adjunct Faculty Association of the University of Liberia (AFAUL) has thrown its support behind University President Dr. Layli Maparyan, dismissing the recent vote of no confidence declared by the University’s faculty and staff associations as “self-centered” and “groundless.”
In a statement issued Sunday, Acting Secretary General George S. Tengbeh said the adjunct faculty rejects the action taken by the University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA) and the University of Liberia Staff Association (ULSA), arguing that it is unjustified and threatens to undermine ongoing reforms at the country’s premier public university.
“While we respect their rights as stakeholders of the University, we believe the reasons for their action are not only unjustified, but also have the propensity to undermine significant reforms and derail academic progress at the state university,” the statement said.
The association cited what it described as major achievements under Dr. Maparyan’s leadership, including the regularization of the university’s academic calendar in line with international standards, the launch of three doctoral (PhD) programs, and ongoing construction of a solar-powered student utility park and a student health clinic.
AFAUL also credited the administration with attracting grants and donations, establishing a new athletics division, improving the payment system for adjunct lecturers by replacing indefinite salary delays with installment payments, and signing several memoranda of understanding with partner institutions.
The adjunct faculty said these accomplishments demonstrate that the university is making meaningful progress under Dr. Maparyan’s leadership and should not be disrupted.
“The Adjunct Faculty is committed to supporting the President’s vision and encourages stakeholders to promote that vision and refrain from actions that misrepresent the institution’s image and hinder its advancement,” the statement added.
The declaration comes days after ULFA and ULSA announced an indefinite suspension of academic and administrative activities after adopting a vote of no confidence in Dr. Maparyan, Acting Vice President for Fiscal Affairs and Finance, and the Associate Vice President for Human Resources.
The two associations have accused the administration of failing to address longstanding concerns, including outstanding NASSCORP benefits, salary disparities, a proposed 40 percent salary increase, and other welfare-related issues.
As of Monday, the University of Liberia administration had not publicly responded to the adjunct faculty’s statement. The standoff has deepened divisions within the university community as stakeholders continue to debate the institution’s leadership and the future of ongoing academic activities.
