“OPEN LETTER TO ALL LOFAIANS AND FELLOW LIBERIANS”

Dear Fellow Lofaians and Liberians,

“A good leader is one that knows the way; shows the way and goes the way”

“The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problem”. These differences have been revealed to Lofaians and Liberians by Dr. Isaac Podah.

It is not a novelty to all Lofaians and fellow Liberians that the Lofa County University; then Lofa County Community College has narrowly endured more than 12 years of massive corruption, underdevelopment, primitive learning environment, tribalism, mismanagement and misappropriation of both private and government funds and allotments meant to improve on the encompassing development of the university in the hand of at least 2 presidents.  

As these ill-fated, excruciating and unpatriotic act of self-centered and sheepish individuals who had surfaced as president for the university, the “Wisdom-filled” Government under the leadership of His E. JNB* rumored it prudent to redeem the university and Lofaians with a pragmatic and unbending president who just in less than one year has showcased the differences between a Visionary leader ( Dr. Podah) and a missionary leader through his developmental endeavors which a 12 year plus regime could not even have a nightmare of.       

The recent accusations of corruption against the University President warrant a careful examination of the tangible progress made under his (Dr. Isaac Podah) leadership. Rather than detracting from the institution, the president’s less than a year tenure has been marked by significant developments that have profoundly improved the campus environment and the academic experience for both staff and students.

 Key achievements

Reliable Power Supply: The installation of solar panels at the auditorium has resulted in consistent electricity, ensuring uninterrupted events and academic activities that are hosted at the auditorium and the entire campus. The university compound that used to be a graveyard and no-go area at night now becomes the home for students to study/read at night. It has also helped to further secure the security personnel who in the past walk in the dark to check on mobile materials on the campus at night.

Improved Water Access: A strategically dug borehole, JR water facility and a hand pump now provide a dependable water source for the entire campus community. These water facilities now provide enough water supply in the entire renovated bathroom, wash hand basin, and publicly stationed hand pump to ease the stress for water supply on the campus.   

Enhanced Sanitation Facilities: In a recent appeal statement from the campus Maintenance Director on the usage of the renovated toilet facilities, he did say, comprehensive renovations of toilet facilities across campus have vastly improved hygiene standards, benefitting both staff and students and these facilities have been transferred to him by the renovating team for onward usage.

Support for Practical Learning: The provision of agricultural equipment and implements demonstrates a commitment to enriching hands-on educational experiences. There are testimonial on campus amongst those reading agriculture that do go for practical at the practical site (JR) that because it is their first time to ride or operate most of the implements, they are feeling pain all over their body. It would be a shame on all if an agricultural minister is source from amongst the current agricultural students who doesn’t ride or operate agricultural equipment or implements. 

Health-Focused Infrastructure: The installation of wash hand basins in college offices promotes daily hygiene practices for instructional staff, reinforcing health and safety standards.

Enhanced Staff Amenities: installation of TV, and Air conditioning units in the lecturers’ lounge and the administrative building offer a more comfortable and conducive environment for academic staff. A lounge for the past years that has been deplorable and devastating now aligns standards and conduciveness.  Instructional staffs, administrators, office secretaries and even cleaners are now well knowledgeable about current happenings in the country and the world at large.

Technology Advancement: History will judge the computer application instructors at the Lofa County University and there would be no room for exoneration; for teaching a computer application course with decorated and nonfunctional computers. With this, in Dr. Podah’s lobbying wisdom, the students’ computer lab now has 20 functional desktop computers for the student computer lab greatly enhanced students’ access to vital learning resources and digital tools.

Equitable Compensation: “Rights that do not flow from duty well performed are not worth having”. It has always be a right at the university for some connected individuals/staff to receive higher pay in no comparison to their colleagues for same performed duty/job. This practice has long ago kills the sprit to work for there is justice in compensation. But within a shake of the eyelashes, Dr. Podah has addressed the issue of salary disparities which shows dedication to fairness and staff welfare.

Positive Work Environment: The creation of a friendly and supportive working atmosphere encourages collaboration and professional growth. The president has fostered a friendly working environment that enhances productivity and morale.

Academic Continuity: The smooth management of academic calendars has ensured uninterrupted semesters, even during challenging times, maintaining the integrity of our educational programs.

These accomplishments cannot be underemphasized by a self-centered and a sheepish individual (s) who is looking for political recognition. These pointers stand as clear evidence of dedicated stewardship and an unwavering commitment to the university’s mission, and underscore a tenure driven by transparency, progress, and genuine concern for the university’s growth and stakeholders’ wellbeing. Such concrete developments contradict the allegations leveled against the president, reflecting instead a legacy of responsible leadership and impactful service.

Corruption doesn’t acknowledge development, so if Dr. Podah is a corrupt president, these few developments in less than a year would have not been achieved.

Very truly yours,

Emmanuel Akoi

Student Leader

Akoiemmanuel94@gmail.com