NATIONAL NEWS
EXECUTIVE MANSION – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has ordered the immediate acceleration of renovation and modernization works at the University of Liberia, expressing concern over delays despite the Government’s allocation of approximately US$6.3 million for the project.
By: Sampson W Weah – sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
The directive followed a high-level coordination meeting held at the Executive Mansion on Tuesday, August 4, involving key government ministries, the University Administration, the Board of Trustees, and other stakeholders.
The meeting reviewed the status of the infrastructure rehabilitation program and outlined measures to speed up implementation ahead of the University’s reopening.
President Boakai said that although the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning has processed the necessary funding, there has been insufficient visible progress on the ground. He called on all institutions involved to remove administrative obstacles and ensure construction activities begin without further delay.
According to the University Administration, the renovation plan includes the construction of a 25-classroom academic building at the Fendall Campus, modernization of the University’s largest academic facility, and rehabilitation works at the Capitol Hill and Sinje campuses.
However, officials acknowledged that major construction has yet to begin due to procurement-related delays.
The meeting also emphasized that urgent repairs affecting student safety and learning—including damaged roofs, sanitation facilities, water supply, sewage systems, and structurally unsafe buildings—must be completed before students return to campus.
To ensure timely delivery, the Ministry of Public Works will work with the University to validate project designs and timelines, while the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning will address procurement challenges.
A joint technical team and a coordination committee will also be established to oversee implementation and monitor progress.
President Boakai reaffirmed that improving higher education remains a key priority under his Administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, stressing that Liberia’s premier public university must provide students and faculty with a safe, modern, and conducive learning environment.
The decision comes after years of advocacy by the Student Unification Party (SUP), the University of Liberia’s longstanding student political movement, which has consistently campaigned for improved campus infrastructure, better learning conditions, adequate sanitation, and increased investment in the institution.
Over the years, SUP has organized protests, petitions, and public awareness campaigns highlighting deteriorating classrooms, overcrowded facilities, and poor campus conditions, arguing that quality infrastructure is essential to improving higher education in Liberia.
The latest government action is expected to be closely watched by students, faculty, and the wider public, who have long called for tangible improvements to the University’s campuses.
