By: Kongoi Gborkorquellie – kongoigborkorquellie1997@gmail.com
Gbarnga, Bong County – The Rural Universities and Colleges Faculty Association of Liberia (RUCFAL) has declared an indefinite strike, citing the government’s failure to address long-standing demands for standardized salaries and benefits across rural public universities and colleges.
The announcement came Wednesday at a press conference held at Bong County Technical College in Gbarnga.
RUCFAL leaders criticized the government for neglecting faculty concerns despite repeated engagements and petitions.
“Fellow Liberians, members of the media, colleagues, and friends, we have gathered to speak on the continued neglect and failure of the Government of Liberia to address the longstanding concerns of faculties across our rural public universities and colleges,” the statement read.
RUCFAL represents faculty members from institutions including Bomi County Community College, Bong County Technical College, Grand Bassa University, Grand Gedeh University College, Grand Kru Community College, Lofa County University, Margibi University, Nimba University, and Sinoe County Community College.
The association said that since February 12, 2025, it has petitioned President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr., as well as engaged with the Legislature and other officials, but no concrete action has been taken.
Among their key demands are the elimination of salary and benefit disparities, provision of relocation allowances, research allowances comparable to those at the University of Liberia and William V. S. Tubman University, and the passage of legislation to standardize salaries and benefits for all public universities and colleges.
RUCFAL emphasized that months of peaceful engagement and media advocacy have produced no results, leaving them no choice but to strike.
“This strike is a demand for fairness, equity, and justice. RUCFAL will ensure the action continues until our demands are met. During this period, no faculty member will engage in academic work,” the association stressed.
The group called on Liberians to stand in solidarity with faculty in their fight for equity and dignity in higher education.
