A ssistant Professor Alhaji S. M. Dukuly of the University of Liberia has pledged to protect and defend the interests of faculty members at all times, promising a new era of unity, professionalism, and institutional advancement at the state-owned university.
Speaking during an impressive induction ceremony held over the weekend at the University of Liberia Auditorium, Dukuly assured faculty members that his administration would remain fully committed to advancing their welfare and strengthening the role of the University of Liberia Faculty Association.
He described his election as President of ULFA not as a personal achievement, but as a sacred responsibility entrusted to him by faculty members who desire stronger representation, effective advocacy, and meaningful transformation within the university community.
The Tilburg University alumnus and Assistant Professor emphasized that his leadership would prioritize the welfare, dignity, and professional growth of lecturers and academic staff across the University of Liberia system.
According to him, ULFA under his stewardship will continue to serve as a strategic partner in national educational development while promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership within the association.
The induction ceremony brought together senior university administrators, members of the Board of Trustees, faculty members, students and several invited dignitaries from across Liberia.
Among those in attendance were Vice President for Academic Affairs and Officer-in-Charge, Prof. Agnes Reeves-Taylor, Dabah M. Varpilah, and Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, whose presence added significance to the historic occasion.
In his remarks, Dukuly praised outgoing ULFA President, Dr. Edna G. Johnny for what he described as visionary and courageous leadership that restored the voice and influence of the faculty association.
He noted that under Dr. Johnny’s administration, ULFA successfully advocated for salary adjustments, secured a functional office space, established a Credit Union, and elevated the dignity and recognition of academic labor at Liberia’s premier state-run university.
Dukuly noted that the achievements of the outgoing leadership have laid a solid foundation upon which his administration intends to build a stronger and more vibrant faculty association.
The newly inducted ULFA President described faculty members as the intellectual backbone of the University of Liberia, stressing that they play a critical role in shaping the next generation of doctors, lawyers, engineers, journalists, economists, and national leaders.
He emphasized that the university’s continued growth and national relevance depend heavily on the commitment, motivation, and wellbeing of its academic workforce.
Outlining his vision for the future, Dukuly announced several ambitious initiatives aimed at modernizing ULFA and improving services provided to faculty members across the institution.
Among the initiatives highlighted were the launch of a Digital ULFA Platform, the development of a professional ULFA website, and the introduction of faculty identification cards intended to strengthen institutional pride and unity.
He also disclosed plans to establish a Faculty Health and Wellness Program designed to support lecturers dealing with stress, burnout, and other professional challenges associated with academic work.
In addition, Dukuly revealed plans for the creation of a Research and Innovation Support Fund to assist faculty members with academic research, publications, conferences, and international partnerships.
The ULFA President further pledged to intensify advocacy for improved working conditions, fair salaries, professional protections, and retirement preparedness for faculty members throughout the university system.
Calling for unity and solidarity, Dukuly urged faculty members to set aside divisions and work collectively for the advancement of higher education in Liberia and the continued transformation of the University of Liberia.
He reaffirmed that ULFA under his leadership would remain a united family of professionals committed to building a stronger University of Liberia and contributing meaningfully to the development and progress of Liberia as a whole.