MONROVIA – Dr. Layli Maparyan, President of the University of Liberia (UL), has commenced her tenure with strategic measures to address the institution's pressing issues. Focusing on immediate faculty concerns, she has prioritized the payment of part-time staff as part of her first 100 days’ agenda, signaling her commitment to resolving long-standing grievances.

Faculty Priorities and Salary Regularization

Addressing the University of Liberia Faculty and Staff Association (ULFASA) General Assembly at Fendall Campus on Friday, January 16, 2025, Dr. Maparyan emphasized a dual approach of immediate and long-term solutions to the university’s challenges. She highlighted resolving salary disparities, ensuring timely compensation, and regularizing faculty payments as key objectives.

“Each issue requires a unique solution and timeline,” Dr. Maparyan stated, adding that efforts to pay part-time workers are already underway as a top priority.

Operational Revival and Academic Calendar Regularization

Dr. Maparyan expressed optimism about reopening and stabilizing university operations. “I recently toured the Capitol Hill Campus and observed students, faculty, administrators, and staff, which reassured me that the university is coming back to life,” she said.

She also outlined plans to synchronize the academic calendar and improve campus facilities. Acknowledging the inadequate sanitation conditions, she noted that while some bathrooms have been renovated, much work remains. Financial support from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning has been pledged to expedite facility upgrades.

Budget Constraints and Financial Strategy

The UL President detailed the financial limitations imposed by the 2025 National Budget’s allocation of US$33.9 million, with over 90% designated for salaries. “This leaves only 10 percent for other operational needs,” she explained. Despite these challenges, she assured faculty that urgent issues would be addressed first, while less critical concerns would be resolved gradually.

Payroll Cleanup and Fiscal Discipline

Dr. Maparyan highlighted inefficiencies in payroll execution, particularly regarding part-time staff. She cited mid-year hiring as a disruption to the approved budget and announced plans to align hiring practices with financial allocations.

Additionally, a payroll cleanup exercise, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, is underway to identify inefficiencies and ensure fiscal discipline. “This process will take time but is achievable with staff and stakeholder support,” she noted.

Securing External Funding and Reviving the Endowment Fund

Dr. Maparyan also underscored the need to secure external funding. She proposed revisiting UL’s endowment fund to explore sustainable financial support through strategic investments. “Transparency will be key, and faculty and staff will be informed about funding sources and their utilization,” she assured.

Vision for Excellence through the ‘5Ps’ Framework

The UL President pledged to elevate the institution through her ‘5Ps’ framework: Education, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Excellence, and Ethics. She called on staff to align with this vision to collectively improve UL’s standards.

ULFASA’s Response and Expectations

ULFASA President Dr. Edna Johnny acknowledged the administration’s efforts to address critical issues. She emphasized the need for timely salary payments, improved working conditions, instructional materials, and addressing salary disparities.

Commending the focus on part-timer payments and sanitation improvements, Dr. Johnny credited Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan for his commitment. “He promised that by next week, part-timers will start receiving their payments, and we’re holding him to his word,” she stated.

Path Forward

With Dr. Maparyan’s focus on actionable reforms, UL is poised for a transformative period. Her strategic approach, coupled with faculty and stakeholder collaboration, is expected to address systemic challenges and elevate the institution’s standing in the coming months.