As Pres. Joseph Boakai Names An Acting President
PHOTO: Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, UL acting President
By Our Staff Writer
The University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA) officials have welcomed the removal of UL President Dr. J. Sarwolo Nelson, but the teachers have so far not ended their strike action.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Monday, June 24, 2024 “relieved Dr. Julius J.S. Nelson of his position as President of the University of Liberia effective immediately,” said an Executive Mansion press release.
The dismissal of the UL President was one of several demands of both the UL Faculty Association and Staff Association, who agreed to stop work at a general meeting in Monrovia recently.
President Boakai, as the Visitor to the University, took this action following several meetings with the Institution’s Board of Trustees and various stakeholders of the University, the Mansion press release said.
ULFA’s Secretary General Eric Pattan told the local media that any decision to resume classes and work will follow consultations and a general meeting of the UL faculty and staff.
Meanwhile, President Boakai has appointed former UL President, Ambassador Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh as Acting President to lead the Interim Management Team. Until recently, Dr. Conteh served as Liberia’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to the release, the UL Board nominated Dr. Conteh unanimously to oversee the search process for a new University President within three months.
It said the Interim Management Team will also initiate necessary reforms and implement the action points conveyed by the President to ensure the University’s smooth operation.
At the same time, the head of the interim management team, Dr. Conteh has called on UL faculty members and students to “support each other and continue to create a nurturing environment for our students, faculty, staff and students”.
Dr. Conteh’s call is contained in the following special message to the UL family issued in Monrovia.
FULL TEXT OF HIS MESSAGE:
University of Liberia
Office of the President
The Acting President
Message to the University Community
Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students of the University of Liberia,
We are currently going through a transition period at the university. This time may seem uncertain, but with hope and collaboration, we can bring about positive change.
I want to assure you that the University of Liberia’s mission, vision, and values remain unchanged.
I am excited to work with all of you to promote a culture of collaboration, open communication, and inclusivity.
I appreciate the feedback received during the mediation meetings with you. His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., the Visitor of the University, has instructed the Board of Trustees to search for a new president.
The Search Committee will work diligently to find the best candidate to lead our university forward, similar to how I was selected as the 12th President of the University in 2004 during the interim Presidency of the late Chairman Gyude Bryant.
Let’s support each other and continue to create a nurturing environment for our students, faculty, and staff.
Thank you for your resilience and dedication.
Sincerely,
Al-Hassan Conteh
Acting President
University of Liberia