Monrovia, Liberia (July 21, 2026) – University of Liberia (UL) President Dr. Layli Maparyan on Tuesday urged faculty and staff to call off their strike and continue constructive dialogue with the UL administration and other stakeholders, particularly the Government of Liberia.

In a statement issued in Monrovia on Tuesday, President Maparyan acknowledged the concerns raised in recent resolutions by the University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA) and the University of Liberia Staff Association (ULSA) are legitimate. She said her administration is working with the Board of Trustees, the Government of Liberia, and the faculty and staff to address issues ranging from employee welfare to infrastructure challenges.

“These complex challenges – ranging from employee welfare to infrastructure issues and beyond – are not new, and they affect our faculty, staff, and the larger UL community every day,” President Maparyan said.

“The UL Administration, under my leadership, is working tirelessly with the Board of Trustees, Government of Liberia officials, and faculty and staff to resolve these matters, which we consider legitimate concerns,” she said.

President Maparyan emphasized that disengagement from academic and administrative activities at this critical moment would undermine the institution’s mission as a beacon of hope for thousands of young people across Liberia.

Emergency cabinet and board meetings were convened Monday on Capitol Hill to discuss ULFA and ULSA’s demands, with emphasis placed on immediate action items and long-term solutions. President Maparyan said additional meetings are planned to continue negotiations.

“While we have been working diligently to resolve many of the challenges outlined, and while some progress has been made, we recognize that much more remains to be done and that our efforts have not yet met the expectations of our colleagues,” she said.

She reaffirmed her commitment to achieve results that feel like progress and make UL a better workplace.

“We must solve these challenges together. Through dialogue and concerted action, we can find lasting solutions that strengthen the university for generations to come,” she pleaded.