PHOTO: GBU President, Dr. Samuel Monwell and Board Chair, Rev. Dr. Cllr. Lawrence Bropleh (Coutesy of Dr. Monwell’s Facebook Page)
By George Sarwah Stewart, Jr.
Grand Bassa University located 143 kilometers from Monrovia held its 7th graduation exercises on February 24, 2024, amidst growing concerns.
Staff agitation for the removal of the university’s president, Dr. Samuel Monwell, loomed over the event, while President pro tempore of the Liberian Senate, Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence, attended to pledge her commitment to the university.
Various stakeholders, including diaspora Liberians, youth groups, and local media practitioners, have voiced calls for reform. Issues such as the incomplete board of trustees- lack of officials, and staff quality were highlighted.
In his first year, President George Weah appointed Rev. Dr. Cllr. Lawrence K. Bropleh as the Chairman of the university’ Board of Trustees. Despite Bropleh’s education and knowledge and experience, the board has been nonfunctional for six years. The university’s fate has rested on Chairman Bropleh and President Samuel Monwell, who also serves as the secretary.
Grand Bassa County must act now to save its only university, which serves not only the county but also parts of Bong, Rivercess, and Sinoe. A top priority should be the constitution of a functional board of trustees by the President of Liberia. This board can aid in identifying suitable leadership through a vetting process.
The Board of Trustees should include experienced academic technocrats, representatives from the business and religious communities, local government representation, and other necessary stakeholders. Operating without a functional board exposes the institution to unilateralism and policy oversight breaches. Reform should begin with the oversight board, unless a post-graduation crisis demands immediate leadership.
Infrastructure is another critical concern. The university has operated for over six years with a broken 20ft bridge, posing risks to students, faculty, and staff who commute daily. Despite protests and fundraising initiatives, the bridge remains unrepaired. Infrastructure repairs are also needed for academic and administrative buildings, addressing issues such as heat concentration, poor lighting, leaking classrooms, and detached floor tiles.
Manpower development is crucial, with a focus on chartering a university status. Developing the existing staff, including terminal degree programs, fosters loyalty and enhances the institution’s integrity.
Resource diversification is necessary to alleviate the burden on Grand Bassa University. Income and resource diversification, led by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Institutional Development, can supplement government support and student-based revenues.
Senate President Pro Tempore, Nyonbleee Karnga Lawrence, who recently highlighted the broken bridge’s safety concerns, is now a pivotal figure in the Liberian Government. Urgent reforms are needed to prevent academic mismanagement, ensuring a promising future for the young generation of Grand Bassa County and Liberia as a whole. The decisions made today will shape the future—reform or face the consequences.