-As ULFA new Pres promises to seek Solutions to faculty challenges
After several months of interim leadership of the University of Liberia (UL) Faculty Association (ULFA) recently held its induction of newly elected officers on the Fendell campus outside Monrovia.
Speaking at the well-organized induction ceremony at the weekend, Dr. Joseph T. Isaac urged the faculty and instructional staff of the UL to cultivate the virtues of extensive research and flip teaching methods.
On his candid opinion about funding to universities in Liberia, Dr. Isaac expressed shock and noted that universities in Liberia are grossly neglected by education stakeholders.
Dr. Isaac pointed out that teaching and learning must be restructured at the various universities in Liberia if the internationally required standards are to be met in the country.
He also stressed need for professors, instructors and teachers at the various to listen to lectures from international experts through the digital media such as video links and other specialized methods.
Dr. Isaac noted that instructors and teachers at the various universities should adopt the micro learning process and blended approach to learning would test drive a solid presentations of materials to the students.
The African Methodist Episcopal University president intimated that the faculty of any university is responsible to drive home for national development and capacity builders for the overall development of the nation.
He further urged faculty members of the various universities to flexible teach students as researchers and treat them as experts as well as value their knowledge.
Dr. Isaac also added that instructors and professors should be more concerned about students learning the materials and always put the students as priority number one in order to achieve genuine results.
The AMEU boss underscored the need for the generation of new knowledge and described knowledge as rich water from a fountain that should be tapped into by professors and instructors of all universities in Liberia.
Dr. Isaac also stressed the need for instructors to help universities in generating funds for the smooth running and administration of the academic programs of their universities in the country.
“I want admonish my colleagues, instructors, teachers and faculty members of our universities to publish articles and academic works for the benefits of our students in our universities,” Dr. Isaac stressed.
In her installation remarks, Dr. Evelyn S. Kandakai, former chairperson of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), urged the newly elected ULFA officers to always create rooms for dialogue, negotiations and open discussions with the UL administration in order to ensure peace and harmony at the university.
She described the newly inducted head of ULFA Cllr. Viama J. Blama as a productive, loyal, efficient and hardworking Liberian that had always over the years demonstrated commitment to deliver results on any assignment.
In a special statement, University of Liberia president Ophelia Inez Weeks reminded the ULFA leaders that the doors of the UL administration are opened for dialogue, discussions and negotiations in the resolution of challenges and problems confronting the general faculty of the institution in Liberia.
Dr. Weeks also disclosed that the academic ranking of the UL has dropped to the third place owing to out academic performances and urged the newly inducted ULFA leadership to work with the UL administration in ensuring genuine academic accomplishments in the years ahead.
She also reminded professors, instructors, ULFA leadership and Liberians that it is possible in seven years to restore the impressive academic and moral achievements through extensive research instructions, technological innovation and commitment on the part of ULFA and vibrant members.
In his augural speech, Cllr. Viama J. Blama reminded the UL administration that the ULFA leadership will always endeavor to follow the path of seek, knock and ask initiatives through dialogue, frank and open discussions and negotiations in order to ensure peace and continuation of sound academic environment.
“We have come with strength to ensure that peace is achieved through the spirit of collaboration and cooperation on the campuses of this great university,” Cllr. Blama stressed.
He also added that the newly inducted ULFA leadership is prepared to ensure the dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers and mothers of ULFA will not only shine but live on to provide for the faculty of the UL the enjoyment of their civil liberties as it relates to the profession commitment to the field of education.
“We will ask not for the impossibilities but, for those things that we are aware lies within your power and authority to give,” Cllr. Blama stressed.
Cllr. Blama also Assistant Professor at the WVS Tubman Teachers College of UL added that since respect, trust, authority and honor must be earned, he called on all ULFA members, administration, students, staff and partners to give their unflinching support to the ULFA leadership in whatever shape, form and manner for the forward match.
“I believed, which is a fact that ULFA minus administration, ULSA and the students is zero, therefore we must hold together for the development of our beloved university for it is only in unity that success is sure,” Cllr. Blama asserted.
Professor Blama also noted that the induction of the new leadership of ULFA is the dawn of a new day in the history of the new organization and urged the new team to responsibilities responsibly and be accountable not only for the finances but, for individual collective actions.
Cllr. Blama also warned that if need be ULFA may prosecute its members that will fail to account for money entrusted to them without fear, favor or regret.
“We appreciate the past leaders of ULFA and the University of Liberia for their individual and collective roles they played or contributions to ULFA since its birth in 1971 and we will continue to count on your blessings and wisdom for the forward match to the glory of ULFA,” Cllr. Blama emphasized.
Mrs. Roseline Hunter Konneh on behalf of the UL administration, faculty, staff and students extended thanks and appreciation to all contributed and attended the ULFA induction program and wished them well in the years to come.