University of Liberia Urges Continuation of Operations Amid Strike Over Unpaid Wages and Working Conditions

MONROVIA – The Administration of the University of Liberia (UL) has cautioned all full-time and part-time employees to continue performing their academic and administrative duties to ensure a successful conclusion to the current academic semester, in accordance with the revised academic calendar.

To achieve this goal, the UL Administration informs all stakeholders, staff, students, and the general public of the continuation of normal working and academic activities, including teaching and learning, on all campuses of the University.

In a statement released through the office of the Vice President for UL Relations, Cllr. Norris L. Tweah, the UL Administration stated that any action contrary to this directive is seen as an attempt to sabotage and undermine the planned launch of the University of Liberia’s Doctoral Studies/Programs, scheduled for Wednesday, June 19. This could also interfere with the University’s final exams schedule and its pending 104^th Commencement Convocation, scheduled for August 5 – 17, 2024.

“His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., President of the Republic of Liberia and Visitor of the University of Liberia, is expected to formally launch the first terminal degree program at the University,” the release said.

It added that several high-profile guests and dignitaries, including development partners, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Association of Liberian Universities, have been invited to grace the auspicious and historic terminal degree launch.

The UL Administration further encourages all legally employed faculty to continue their regular activities on the University campuses and reminds them that unauthorized absences without excuse for ten working days will be considered a resignation.

The UL Administration’s warning comes as the University of Liberia Faculty and Staff Association (ULFASA) has disengaged from all academic activities. The Association cited unpaid salaries for part-time lecturers and unbearable working conditions for workers as reasons for their action.

Over the weekend, ULFASA unanimously passed a resolution at a General Assembly in the auditorium of the University’s Capitol Hill Main Campus in Monrovia, announcing their disengagement from the classroom until their longstanding grievances are addressed.

The Association also vowed to remain absent from the Fendell, Sinje, Medical, and Capitol Hill campuses until UL President Dr. Julius Sarwolo Nelson and his management team step down.