UL Interim Administration Poised To Address Key Challenges At State-Run Institution

By T. Ezekiel Geeplay

The Interim Management Team at the University of Liberia is working with various units and stakeholders at the University, to address significant demands aimed at sustaining a peaceful environment on the campuses of the institution.

In addressing some of the major concerns of the faculty, staff, and students, the UL Interim President in a press conference Wednesday, September 4, 2024 said the University has been collaborating with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, the Ministry of State, and the Ministry of Public Works to ensure that the University’s remaining budget from a total of $37 Million for the fiscal year is implemented in time to meet expenditures for the rest of the year.

Dr. Al Hassan Conteh, Acting UL President said due to these ongoing collaborations, salaries for faculty and staff are up to date, and the salaries for Adjunct faculty have also been paid.

“We are currently working with the representatives of the University of Liberia Faculty and Staff Association (ULFASA) Liaison Teams to the Interim Management Team of the University to regularize the Adjunct (formerly part-time) Faculty payroll,” Dr. Conteh explained.

He indicated that the Interim Management Team is also working with ULFASA to address the many issues that are troubling the adjunct faculty salary, including, agreeing on the rules and regulations for instructional analysis and contracts for only current adjunct faculty.

Additionally, the Acting UL President disclosed that the Ministry of Public Works is also helping the University to undertake a comprehensive assessment of four campuses of the University.

The intent, according to him, is to ensure that the essential facilities are in place before the commencement of the next academic year.

“We have also been simultaneously touring campus facilities to get first-hand information on the state of the physical plan,” said Dr. Conteh.

Further, Dr. Conteh stated that planning for the 104^th Commencement Convocation is in high gear and will take place at the Fendall Campus of the University between September 9 and 21, 2024.

He added that the Joint Convocation is scheduled for September 20. Consistent with the tradition of the University, Dr. Conteh disclosed that the Board of Trustees will invite the Visitor to preside over the Commencement and receive a distinguished Honorary Degree.