By: Gabriel M. C. Parker
BOMI COUNTY – Aggrieved students of the Bomi Community College on Monday presented a petition to the local leadership of Bomi County, calling for urgent intervention in the ongoing nationwide strike by the Rural University and Colleges Faculty Association (RUCAFA).
The strike, which has paralyzed academic activities across rural higher-learning institutions, is in protest of salary disparities and demands for salary standardization for faculty members.
The students described the situation as “disappointing,” saying it has severely disrupted their academic progress.
Reading the petition on behalf of more than 300 students at the Tubmanburg car park, Student Alfred Coleman appealed to Bomi County Superintendent Miatta Dorley to take immediate steps toward resolving the crisis.
“The strike has brought academic activities to a standstill,” Coleman said. “We call on both the local and national leadership to act swiftly in resolving this matter.”
The students warned that if their concerns are not addressed promptly, they will have no choice but to stage mass actions, including shutting down all public offices in the county.
They emphasized that education is a right and should not be compromised due to administrative delays or neglect.
The petition also outlined the broader impact of the strike, noting that it threatens the future of young people who rely on rural institutions for higher education.
The students urged the central government to engage constructively with the faculty association to reach a timely resolution.
Receiving the petition, Bomi County Superintendent Miatta Dorley expressed concern over the situation and assured the students of her commitment to address their grievances.
She promised to meet with the college administration, including the president of Bomi Community College, to discuss possible ways forward.
Superintendent Dorley also appealed to the students to remain calm and peaceful as efforts are made to mediate between the faculty and government authorities.
“We understand your frustration,” she said. “But we ask that you channel your concerns through dialogue and peaceful engagement.”
