In an interview on the ELBC Super Morning Show on Wednesday, Dr. Layli Maparyan, the 16th president of the University of Liberia, addressed the ongoing evaluation of the university’s free tuition policy and highlighted various challenges facing the institution.
Dr. Maparyan revealed that the free tuition initiative is currently under a performance audit. She stated that following the completion of this audit, she, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, will determine whether to maintain the policy as it stands or implement necessary adjustments.
Expressing her commitment to enhancing the academic landscape in Liberia, Dr. Maparyan noted, “I am deeply invested in increasing the number of PhD holders in our country, particularly in light of the severe impacts that the civil conflict has had on our education system.”
She acknowledged the numerous obstacles the university faces, emphasizing the importance of identifying the root causes of these issues to effectively address them. Drawing from her extensive experience both within Liberia and abroad over the past 15 years, Dr. Maparyan stated, “I have gained valuable insights into Liberia’s educational challenges, yet there remains much to learn and understand.”
Highlighting her vision for the university, she remarked, “I am focused on institutional growth rather than personal gain. My priority is to accomplish substantial tasks that contribute to the university’s development, a mission that I find both enjoyable and fulfilling.”
Dr. Maparyan reflected on her initial efforts to reopen the university, acknowledging the frustrations surrounding budgeting constraints in previous semesters. “We are implementing new strategies to bring students back to campus, and while I haven’t resolved all the issues, we are making progress,” she said.
The president also underscored her commitment to gender equality and disability inclusion within the university community. “I prioritize these issues and actively engage with stakeholders to foster an inclusive environment,” she asserted.
On the financial front, Dr. Maparyan highlighted the necessity for the university to secure additional resources, stating, “Our primary focus is to ensure that the university has adequate funding. We are actively negotiating with potential funders and looking to establish global connections to enhance our financial support, as historically, we have relied heavily on government funding.”
Addressing the pressing concerns of faculty salaries, she expressed empathy towards the UL faculty association, acknowledging the frustrations of working without timely compensation.
In addition to financial challenges, Dr. Maparyan is also tackling infrastructural issues, stating, “We are committed to improving our facilities, including the renovation of bathroom conditions, which has already seen some progress.”
“My ultimate goal is to enhance the efficiency of our operations, benefiting both faculty and students,” Dr. Maparyan concluded, reaffirming her dedication to advancing higher education in Liberia.