HARPER, Maryland County — Dozens of students from the William V.S. Tubman University (TU) were left stranded along the Harper–Pleebo highway on Wednesday evening after classes, following the breakdown of the two buses that usually transport them to Pleebo.

By: Peter P. Toe, Jr., contributing writer

According to eyewitnesses, the students had been waiting in the streets since 4:00 p.m., hoping to board a bus back home to Pleebo. However, as night fell, all hopes of getting transportation were dashed.

In 2021, during the administration of former President George M. Weah, the National Transit Authority (NTA) donated a 72-seater bus to the people of Maryland County specifically to help students commute between Pleebo and Harper. The initiative was vital since statistics show that over 70% of Tubman University’s student population resides in Pleebo and travels daily to Harper for classes.

The NTA bus operated at a subsidized fare of L$100 per student per trip, but in early 2024, it broke down completely and has remained unrepaired ever since.

To ease the burden, the University’s President, Dr. Olu Menjay, in 2024 negotiated a 27-seated mini-bus, which, though inadequate, helped manage the increasing number of commuters. However, that bus too has recently developed technical faults.

As the transport challenge persisted, District #2 Representative Anthony F. Williams donated another 27-seated yellow bus to the University for the same route. Unfortunately, reports indicate that this bus also broke down and was parked in the University’s garage late Wednesday evening—leaving hundreds of students stranded once again.

In response to the crisis, Reed Harmon, President of the Tubman University Students Government Association (TUSGA), intervened by negotiating a temporary arrangement with a commercial bus service that usually charges L$150 per student. However, when the bus arrived around 8:00 p.m., the drivers demanded L$200 per student, a fee that students resisted until Harmon’s intervention led to a reduction.

Speaking to a FrontPage Africa reporter at the scene, Harmon expressed disappointment over the University’s failure to communicate effectively with the student body.

“They keep every information from us. They have no medium of informing students about the condition of our buses. Look at the time—since 4:30 p.m. classes ended, students are still out here with no means of returning to Pleebo,” Harmon lamented.

He further disclosed that despite several follow-ups with the University’s administration regarding the NTA bus reportedly taken to Monrovia for repairs, there has been no update or resolution.

The prolonged lack of reliable transport has forced many students to commute daily by commercial motorcycles, a situation that has led to multiple road accidents along the Harper–Pleebo corridor.

In 2024, tragedy struck when three Tubman University students reportedly died instantly in a motorbike accident while returning home from classes.

A Growing Call for Action

The recurring transportation crisis has sparked fresh calls from students and community members for urgent government and stakeholder intervention. Many are appealing to the Ministry of Transport, the National Transit Authority, and the Maryland County Legislative Caucus to restore safe and affordable student transportation.

Students argue that restoring the NTA bus—or providing a new, durable one—will not only ease their economic burden but also save lives.

“We are tired of losing our friends and walking long distances or risking our lives on bikes every day. We need a sustainable transport solution now,” one student pleaded.

As the semester continues, the absence of reliable transportation remains a major challenge for Tubman University students, raising broader concerns about student welfare and safety in the county.

HARPER, Maryland- What was expected to be a democratic milestone at William V.S. Tubman University turned violent early Wednesday morning, forcing the administration to postpone student government elections originally scheduled for April 30, 2025.

By Peter P. Toe, Jr., contributing writer

William VS Tubman University is Liberia’s second State-run University, situated in East Harper, Maryland County.

The university grounds turned upside down when unidentified students stormed polling centers, vandalizing electoral materials and destroying ballot boxes. Reports also confirmed that at least two student election workers sustained injuries during the chaos.

Political Tensions Between Rival Student Groups

The disruption was largely fueled by rising tensions between two main student political camps: the Student Unification Alliance (SUA), backing presidential candidate Cyrus Geekor, and the Tubman University Concerned Students Movement (TUCSM), supporting Reed Harmon.

Supporters of Geekor claimed that the university’s Independent Elections Committee (IEC) was biased, allegedly dominated by TUCSM members. Additionally, they accused Mr. Joerenzo Nyantee, Director for Student Clubs and Activities, of interfering in the process to favor TUCSM candidates.

Legal Action and Administrative Silence

In April, Team Geekor filed a formal complaint with the Harper Magisterial Court, accusing the IEC and TU administration of bias and misconduct. The court instructed the university to adhere strictly to student policy guidelines and the electoral handbook.

Despite the legal ruling, no official response was issued by the administration prior to the elections. The IEC and administration proceeded with plans for the April 30 vote.

University Statement and Condemnation

Following the outbreak of violence, the Tubman University Administration released a statement condemning the attacks and announcing the immediate postponement of the elections.

“Reports from polling stations indicate that some students stormed several polling centers early this morning, resulting in the destruction of vital election materials… Two student election workers sustained injuries,” the statement said.

The administration emphasized its commitment to peaceful civic engagement and announced the launch of an investigation to identify and discipline those involved.

Candidates Respond to Postponement

Meanwhile, presidential candidate Cyrus Geekor told our reporter that he accepts the university’s statement but is calling for the immediate setup of an Interim Management Team to steer the affairs of the Student Government. He also demanded the replacement of the current Independent Elections Committee to ensure a transparent and credible process.

For his part, Reed Harmon told FrontPage Africa that he and his team have not yet decided on a way forward but are currently in discussions on the next steps.

Future of Elections Unclear

The date for student elections remains uncertain. Although the university statement mentioned May 2025 as the period for rescheduling, no official date has been released.

Adding to the uncertainty, the academic calendar is drawing to a close, with final exams scheduled for May 12 to 17. This leaves less than two weeks before the semester ends, further reducing the likelihood of holding elections this academic year.

As a result, many students have lost hope that the elections will be conducted before the end of the term, despite the administration’s reference to May.