By K. Ericson Sayee
MONROVIA, Aug. 13 (LINA) – Dr. Layli Maparyan, President of the University of Liberia, has called for a continued dialogue from stakeholders in a move aimed at resolving some of the critical issues facing the university, students, staff and faculty, noting that the university would not thrive in the absence of dialogue.
She admitted that upon her inception as President of the State-owned University, there were perennial challenges, ranging from infrastructures, salary disparity, promotions, and social security issues.
Dr. Maparyan said the concerns of the University of Liberia Faculty Association and Staff Association of the University are valid, noting that there are efforts underway to resolve their plights.
Appearing on a local radio talk show on Monday, August 10, 2026, in Monrovia, the UL Chief Administrator appealed to the ULFSA to recommence work, revealing that the students are currently bearing the go-slow action.
She added that students should be prioritized in whatever rigmarole between the Administration, Faculty and Staff.
According to her, continued misunderstanding at the university has the proclivity to discourage extended support. In order to attract enormous extended donor support, the university must sail on an unhindered calendar as the administration regularizes the academic calendar to fall in line with other competing regional and international universities.
She sounded an appeal to the aggrieved faculty and staff members who had disengaged from all activities on the campuses, urging them to embrace dialogue and return to work as her administration finds an amicable solution to some of their issues being raised.
Dr. Maparyan acknowledged that, for too long, the University of Liberia has struggled with systemic challenges, adding that faculty cannot teach effectively in crumbling infrastructure, nor look after their families without absolute certainty that their social security contributions are fully paid and secure via the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP).
“You cannot feel valued when persistent salary disparities mean two people doing the exact same job are compensated differently. These are not merely ‘concerns’— they are fundamental issues of dignity, equity, and institutional justice. You care about them, and I care about them,” she said.
She announced that the government has agreed to pay outstanding faculty and staff contributions to the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP), allowing retirees to begin receiving pensions.
“This will ensure a dignified and just retirement for UL faculty and staff who have reached retirement age”, the UL President revealed.
Meanwhile, after sounding her appeal to faculty and staff members of the State-run University, Dr. Maparyan remains firm that the university will stick to its academic calendar, as school is scheduled to reopen on August 25, 2026.
She said in the past, the university has significantly struggled to open on time, leading to significant delays for students to complete their program within the timeframe of four years –something she says needs to change and that is why her first move as president is to regularize the academic calendar at the university.
As part of her vision for the University of Liberia, Dr. Maparyan disclosed that she wants to ensure the negative public narrative that it is “difficult to enroll and leave the University of Liberia” is being targeted head-on so that it becomes the story of the past.