LCU, Students and Administration on Collision Course for Compulsory Purchase of University’s President Books

By: J. Mason Kollie |Correspondent

Voinjama City, Lofa County-Monday, April 7,2025- Several Lofa County University students are calling on the Administration of Dr. Isaac Podah, President and CEO of the University to immediately halt  the ongoing compulsory sale of his books to students on campus or risk series of unspecified actions at the University.

According to some of the students including and their union leadership, the President of the University increased fees for this Semester at the Institution.

“Imagine to the surprise of many students at this university, the purchase of his books for the semester were placed in the control sheet; something which we didn’t expect at all. To purchase these books should be optional for students, but not compulsory as it is being done,” Theophilus Yongor; chairman of the Students Unification party (SUP) said in an angry tune in an interview.

Furthermore, one of the employees of the University, Kemoh Kamara has written the board of trustees complaining the University about several illegal activities presently happening including the sale of books for personal benefit and other corruption allegations.

Kemoh Kamara who works as expeditor for the institution wrote his complaint about acts of corruption at the University and is seeking quick intervention regarding the matter.

One of the students advocate S. Fayia Tengbeh wrote on his social media handle, “Respectfully Opposing the Mandatory Purchase of Dr. Podah’s book. As a concerned student from the Business College of Lofa County University, I wish to respectfully express an alternative perspective regarding the inclusion of Dr. Isaac P. Podah’s books in our student fees this semester.

First, let me make it clear: I value the contributions of Liberian scholars, and I recognize the importance of reading books that reflect our national experience. However, forcing students to purchase this book as a mandatory part of our fees is not the best approach—especially given the financial struggles many of us are already facing.”

Student advocate Tengbeh then enumerated further  listing series of reasons why he feels it is improper for LCU administration to compel student in purchasing said books seen below:

1. Financial Burden on Students

Let’s be honest—many of us are already struggling to pay tuition, registration fees, and meet daily living expenses. Attaching an additional $17–$25 fee to our semester costs without flexibility can make education inaccessible for some students. This could result in students being unable to register or attend classes simply because they can’t afford a book they didn’t ask for.

2. Freedom of Academic Choice

Education should be about access and freedom to choose what materials we engage with. Not every student may find the book relevant to their course of study or personal academic interest.

Therefore, making it compulsory undermines student autonomy. Those interested in Dr. Podah’s work should be encouraged—and given the opportunity—to purchase the book voluntarily, not be forced into it.

3. Supporting Local Authors through Voluntary Means

Yes, we should support Liberian authors. But support that is forced loses its meaning. Genuine support comes through free will, appreciation, and informed engagement. If the book is truly impactful, students will buy it because they value it—not because it’s been added to their bill.

4. Alternative Ways to Promote Local Scholarship

Instead of making the book mandatory, the university could place copies in the library for all to access. In addition, hold public lectures or discussions based on the book and encourage departments to use the book where it fits naturally into their curriculum. These approaches promote learning and appreciation for local authorship without imposing financial pressure.

5. Let’s Focus on Solutions, Not Conflict

This isn’t about rejecting Liberian knowledge or disrespecting a respected scholar like Dr. Podah. It’s about ensuring educational policies are student-centered, inclusive, and considerate of economic realities,” advocate Tengbeh concluded his social media analysis relative to the ongoing campus-wide discussion.

Meanwhile, in response the many concerns that have been raised concerning the decision to sell books and mentioned same in students control sheets, President Podah told our reporter, that the decision was reached by the faculty senate of the university; which comprised the Board Chairman, students union president and the faculty staff.

“We reached the decision to sell the books in our meeting as faculty members to support government projects at the University, so if you have a budget from central government and does not come on time, you use your internal revenue generated to settle some financial matters as you wait for government allocation, and that’s the reason we decided to do this,” Dr. Podah remarked.

The books authored by the current Lofa University President are: SAVE THE STATE THROUGH PROPOSITION 6, INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN LIBERIA, and CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION AND ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT IN LIBERIA. The amount for each semester student to pay for the books is $25 USD and is mentioned in their control sheet.

Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita| Editor-In-Chief