Authorities at the state-run University of Liberia (UL) have requested for a confounding amount of US$3.9 million to ‘effectively run the institution.’
UL President, Dr. Layli Maparyan, disclosed major financial challenges that the nation’s flagship institution is faced with to meet it obligations to the staff and implement other development projects.
Dr. Mapryan cried for the money, as the university requested for additional US$41 million, but reportedly received only US$33 million, with 90 percent of that allocation already tied up in “salaries.”
The money is also needed, according to insiders, for renovations, 90 percent of budget consumed by salaries.
Dr. Maparyan said the US$3.9 million is urgently required to renovate the UL facilities, with an additional US$300,000 needed “specifically for bathroom repairs.”
She further announced cost-saving measures, including the retirement of staff, who have reached the age limit of 60, while noting that in academia, some may still be allowed to teach beyond that age.
She also pledged to crack down on ghost names to free-up much-needed resources.
“These are tough decisions, but they are necessary to ensure the sustainability and growth of the UL,” Dr. Maparyan said.
Her request came in the wake of a mounting pressure on her to relinquish the post.
Recently, it is reported that over 203 faculty members, including former Central Bank Governor, Dr. Mill Jones, and ex-executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Wilson Tarpeh, have been recommended for retirement and for ‘cost reduction.’
The list mentioned staff and faculty for retirement and for cost reduction. It is being proposed and drafted by the Interim Vice President for Finance and Fiscal Affairs, Dr. Lester Tenny, pending Dr. Maparyan’s approval.
The list contained lecturer and professor date of employment, date of birth, gender and as well as current age.
However, critics have accused Dr. Maparyan of importing nearly 50 individuals, previously made redundant by United States Aid for International Development, and hurriedly placed them within the UL faculty structure-granting them academic ranks
Source: Daniel Theophilus Cole/knewsonline.com
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