By: Andrew B Weah, 0770637216/0886429103, andrewbweah@gmail. Com
Monrovia, Liberia: The Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP) has issued a scathing condemnation of the University of Liberia (UL) administration, accusing it of gross negligence, incompetence, and failure to provide a conducive learning environment for students.
The group, which has long positioned itself as a defender of student rights, announced the resumption of campus-based political activities despite the University’s continued ban on student politics. SUP argued that the ban is undemocratic and an attempt to silence legitimate student advocacy.
In a strongly worded statement, the campus-based political movement branded the University’s Student Disciplinary Committee as “illegitimate and biased,” alleging that it has been used to suppress dissent and punish students who speak out against administrative failures.
SUP issued a one-week ultimatum to the Government of Liberia and the UL administration to address what it described as “pressing and unbearable conditions” affecting students. Among the major concerns cited were the lack of campus buses, shortage of classroom chairs, and prolonged delays in issuing academic credentials, which they say have caused immense frustration among the student body.
“The situation at the University of Liberia has become unbearable,” said the SUP Chairman. “This institution has been reduced to nothing more than an advanced high school due to poor administration and inadequate learning conditions.”
The student group warned that failure by the government and university authorities to respond within the stipulated timeframe could lead to “unspecified actions” from the student community.
The University of Liberia administration has yet to respond publicly to SUP’s accusations or its ultimatum. However, observers say the growing tension between the administration and the student body could once again test the fragile calm on the state run university’s campuses.
