By P. Clarence Jackson, latifahkpah172@gmail.com
Gbarnga, Liberia– At long last, the Cuttington University Faculty Association (CUFA) has announced that its members will return to the work, following a peaceful settlement of the internal conflict it had with the re-instated President of the University, Dr. Herman Browne.
The President of the CU Faculty Association, Lepolu Torlon said, the faculty leadership took the decision Thursday following a meeting with Dr. Brown and members of the faculty.
Dr. Browne was recently reinstated by the CU’s Board, after serving a period of suspension in the wake of protest by both the faculty and students of the University owned and operated by the Episcopal Church in Liberia.
CUFA’s leadership had earlier announced unwillingness to work with Dr. Browne following his reinstatement by Cuttington’s Board of Trustees for what it calls lack of respect for the faculty by the Board of Trustees and lack of confidence in the leadership of Dr. Brown.
Mr. Torlon said during the meeting, Dr. Brown committed himself to a lot of reforms including permanent employee of members of the faculty and coordination in taking decisions that will affect the Institution.
The head of the CU Faculty Association told www.publictrustmedia.com that the Cuttington University President also committed himself to working with the faculty through its leadership for the betterment of Cuttington University.
Cutting University campus in Suakoko, Bong County
“In that meeting, Dr. Brown made it clear that there will be no reprisal for whatever may have happened between he and the faculty during the crisis, and we will hold him to that,” Mr. Torlon explained.
“Look, we are not against Dr. Brown being President of Cuttington but we strongly believe that the lack of coordination and communication from the part of Dr. Brown was among some of the issues we were against and its good Dr. Brown has realized all of those and is now willing to correct the wrongs,” the CU Faculty Association leader added”.
Torlon expressed the hope that Dr, Brown will live up to the commitments he made during the Thursday meeting.
“Although we felt overlooked by the Board of Trustees, we have decided to put everything behind us and move on for the sake of Cuttington University.”
The Board of Trustees of the Cuttington University recently re-instated Dr. Browne in a press statement signed by Jonathan Hart, Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Liberia and Chairman of Cuttington University’ Board of Trustees.
The Board said it took the decision on August 17, after it “discussed the report received from the Special Committee established to investigative events leading to the May 16 disturbance on the university Suakoko campus.”
The Board, however, made six recommendations, accommodating Browne’s return at Cuttington:
- The Board endorsed the recommendations of the Special Committee that Dr. Hermon B. Browne be re-engaged in his position as University President
- Prior to opening of the university for the academic semester and the return of the president to the university, a representation of the Board will meet with Dr. Browne, the faculty, and students and provide a forum for detailed explanation of the Board’s decision
- The Board has requested the president to complete and submit to the Board within a period not more than two weeks a roadmap/assessment of the administrative and operational framework for enhancement of the university which assessment was due when the unfortunate incident occurred
- The Board accepts in full, the recommendations of the Special Committee and unreservedly thanks the committee for their efforts
- The Board instructs all parties and organizations, specifically the Cuttington University Faculty Association to desist from any other public statement and pronouncements while the Board is seized of this matter
- The Board is committed to academic development and progress at Cuttington
Dr. Brown was suspended in May indefinitely by the Board of Trustees of the university, following protests by students of the university.
Limited electricity supply for students and faculty members, unfavorable living conditions, as well as delays in salary payment to lecturers and other staff were among the issues that triggered sporadic student protest on the main campus of the university in May this year.
Torlon is calling on all Lecturers of the University immediately return to classes on Monday September 17, 2018.