“Students need to understand they don’t change the rules because of protest,” Dr. Layli Maparyan warns!

By: Keith Morrison| Staff Writer

Monrovia–Liberia, Thursday, March 6,2025- President of the University of Liberia, Dr. Layli Maparyan has strongly warned students’ political movements to desist from violating and disrupting normal classes in demand for change at the institution. She asserted that university is a place where students go to learn, engage with political groups, and refine their political points of view rather than harming peaceful students, damaging properties, and disrupting classes.

She described the actions of some students who are involved in violence as a lack of self-discipline and maturity.

Dr. Layli Maparyan made these comments during a press conference held at the University of Liberia’s main campus on Wednesday. 

Dr. Maparyan’s statements come amid growing tension amongst students calling on the University’s administration to restore the “add and drop” button on the e-portal.  Campus-based Student Unification Party (SUP) and Progress Student Alliance (PROSA) have led multiple protests, demanding reforms at the State-run University.

They claimed that their actions are a result of the administration’s failure to address key issues on the campus, including restoring the “add and drop” button to enable students to plan their courses.

Despite mounting pressure from the students, the UL President maintained that her leadership intends to uphold the ethical and professional standards of the University, and therefore, the “add and drop” button will not be reopened.

“I do not want to reopen the ‘add and drop’ button because it is important that we have guidelines and stands. Our university will not be taken seriously by people if we continue to change things over and over because of protest, “she said.

This critical stance by the University of Liberia President amid ongoing protest by students underscores her desire and vision for systemic change at the nation’s premiere tertiary learning institution.

“I do not believe higher education is a place for students to be involved in destruction, hooliganism, or violence,” Dr. Maparyan stated.

For more than ten years, the University of Liberia has been grappled with serious challenges, including the lack of adequate chairs, a deplorable learning environment, alleged corruption, and the lack of buses to transport students amongst others.

These are structural issues Dr. Layli Maparyan has vowed to change during her inaugural address.

Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita| Editor-In-Chief