Monrovia—Presidential Press Secretary Kula Fofana has stated that President Joseph Boakai has not received any official communication from the University of Liberia (UL) regarding the revocation of Ministry of Commerce Inspector General Dorr Cooper’s degree.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972)[email protected]
Following the September 10, 2024, commencement ceremony at the Alexander Romeo Horton College of Business and Public Administration, UL authorities launched an inquiry into Cooper’s academic background. In early March, the university declared Cooper persona non grata, barring him from attending the institution after finding him guilty of academic malpractices.
UL Vice President for Relations Norris Tweah disclosed that the university’s investigation revealed Cooper falsely claimed to be both a student and a graduate of the institution. The investigation, conducted by a special committee, found that Cooper allegedly paid $10,000 to staff to fraudulently obtain an undergraduate degree in Public Administration. The report also revealed that Cooper impersonated a deceased student to secure academic credentials.
After learning of the revocation, Cooper condemned the university’s decision, accusing the administration of mishandling the situation. He expressed his disappointment in not receiving direct communication about the revocation, learning about it instead via social media.
However, addressing concerns at the Executive Mansion over the weekend, Press Secretary Fofana revealed that President Boakai had not been briefed on the matter by the University of Liberia. She noted, “The President is a President who will not listen to speculation. He will not just act because of ‘hear say.’ There was a procedure and process that went through. The university did set up a team and they investigated.”
Fofana added that once the university submits its report to the President, he will instruct the Civil Service Agency (CSA) on the necessary course of action. She further stated that the university must provide an update before the President can make any decisions.
At press time, attempts to reach UL’s Norris Tweah for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone rang unanswered.
Cooper, prior to the university’s investigation, held several significant government positions, including City Mayor of Ganta, Development Superintendent, and Superintendent of Nimba County.