The University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA) has announced the continuation of its ongoing disengagement from all teaching and academic duties following failed attempts to reach a satisfactory agreement with the University of Liberia (UL) Administration and the Board of Trustees (ULBoT).
In an internal memo issued Thursday, ULFA disclosed that negotiations with the university leadership and its governing board had addressed at least eleven pressing issues affecting full-time faculty members.
Chief among the concerns are persistent disparities in staff treatment, overdue financial obligations, and the demand for a signed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to formalize commitments to faculty welfare.
Despite the university administration’s pledge to take immediate action on several short-term issues including restart of the group medical insurance coverage through ACTIVA, Payment of all remittances owed to ULFA, Settlement of the remaining 50% of adjunct and overload arrears for the first semester, and Disbursement of US$550,000 by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) for vacation school operations and restroom renovations.
ULFA says these commitments have not been fully honored. Following a review meeting earlier Thursday ULFA Executive Committee concluded that the university’s initial promises had not materialized to a degree that would justify reconvening an Emergency General Assembly (EGA) of full-time faculty.
“There is no sufficient ground to convene an EGA at this time,” the statement read. “Therefore, all full-time faculty are to remain disengaged until further notice.”
The continued disengagement threatens to further disrupt the already delayed academic calendar at Liberia’s flagship public university. The move underscores a deepening rift between faculty and university leadership, with no clear timeline yet for resolution.
ULFA maintains that its demands are not only reasonable but essential to ensuring a dignified, equitable, and professionally supportive working environment for educators at the nation’s premier institution of higher learning.
Ø NPHIL Dismisses Ebola Rumors, Confirms No VHF Cases in Liberia
The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has dismissed widespread rumors suggesting a possible Ebola outbreak in the country, assuring the public that there are no confirmed cases of Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHF) including Ebola and Marburg.
In a statement issued Tuesday night, NPHIL said all specimens tested at the National Reference Laboratory using the molecular PCR method returned negative results for both Ebola and Marburg viruses.
“These negative test results rule out any VHF infections in the specimens received,” NPHIL stated, confirming that Liberia has no suspected or confirmed cases as of 21:50 GMT on September 10, 2025.
The public health body urged citizens to remain calm and avoid panic, noting that its surveillance teams continue routine monitoring across the country.
“NPHIL admonishes the public and scientific community to remain calm and continue observing all public health measures,” the statement said, adding that the nation’s disease surveillance system remains active in monitoring threats.
The institute encouraged journalists and citizens to verify information directly with its offices, warning against the spread of misinformation.
NPHIL is currently responding to outbreaks of Mpox, Lassa fever, and measles but emphasized that Ebola is not among the health threats facing the country at this time.
Suspected cases of any infectious disease can be reported through NPHIL’s emergency hotline at 4455.
Ø Former Information Minister Rennie Backs Gongloe’s Criticism of “Mercenary Journalism”, Urges PUL Action
Former Minister of Information, Ledgerhood Julius Rennie, has weighed in on the growing public debate surrounding what has been described as “mercenary journalism” in Liberia, lending his voice to a call for greater accountability and professional ethics in the media landscape.
In a strongly worded statement shared via social media, Rennie responded to a recent video montage by renowned human rights lawyer and former presidential candidate, Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe, who decried the creeping culture of unethical practices within sections of the Liberian press.
Gongloe, in his critique, pointed fingers at unnamed journalists he accused of engaging in media extortion and biased reporting in exchange for financial gain.
Rennie, who served under the Weah administration, commended Gongloe for his courage in tackling a topic that is often brushed under the carpet, praising him as a long-time defender of press freedom and democratic values in Liberia.
