PHOTO: Controversial Dr. Lester Tenny
By Our Reporter
Confusion has erupted at the state-owned University of Liberia (UL) between the administration and the UL Faculty Association over the latest appointment of the controversial Dean of the Business College, Dr. Lester Tenny who was recently declared “Persona–non–Grata”.
On July 21, 2023, ULFA announced that teachers have agreed to “re-engage with all academic activities” following a general assembly of faculty members. UL Faculty Association Declares Business College Dean, Dr. Lester Tenney “Persona-non-Grata”—Why? – News Public Trust
Cambridge defines peersona-non-Grata as “a person who is not wanted or welcome in a particular country, because they are unacceptable…”
The embattled Dean later reportedly challenged the move by the UL Faculty Association and dismissed their claims.
Tenny, a top stalwart of President George Weah’s ruling CDC party and former deputy head at NOCAL, has been elevated to the post of Vice President for Academic Affairs of the nation’s highest institution of learning, replacing Dr. Moses Zinnah.
ULFA, in a press release issued on Tuesday, warned that the latest action by the UL authorities to elevate the controversial Dean to this top academic position “without consultation” could lead to “chaos” at the University.
ULFA’S LATEST PRESS RELEASE BELOW:
August 8, 2023
PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE!
The leadership of the University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA) informs her members of the decision of the University of Liberia (UL) Administration to appoint the Dean of the A. Romeo Horton College of Business and Public Administration as the new Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) despite being officially informed about the decision of the Faculty Association.
The ULFA Administration sees the appointment of Dean Tenny as a direct provocation to the members of ULFA with the sole intent to create chaos on all campuses of the University of Liberia.
While ULFA made the decision recently, the University of Liberia staff Association (ULSA) endorsed the decision of the ULFA GA.
Fellow colleagues, to stir up more confusion, the UL President without consultation went ahead and appointed the Vice President of ULFA as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.
The vice President of ULFA has rejected his appointment and has duly informed the UL President of his decision. The leadership of ULFA has also officially rejected the appointments and has committed itself to pursue the matter with the UL Board of Trustees as the next alternative.
The ULFA leadership therefore recognizes and acknowledges with grave concerns the extreme anger within the ranks of the University because of this decision.
ULFA therefore urges everyone to remain calm while we exhaust all existing procedures for a reasonable solution while we anticipate a Joint Assembly with the Staff Association next week Friday, August 18, 2023.
END!
Signed: _________________________
Eric T. S. Patten
Secretary General/ULFA