08/05/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
President Boakai Calls for Accelerated Renovation of University of Liberia Campuses
August 5, 2026
Monrovia, Liberia : President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has directed the Administration of the University of Liberia to immediately accelerate the renovation and modernization of its campuses, expressing serious concern over the slow pace of implementation despite significant Government investment.
The President's directive followed a high-level coordination meeting convened at the Executive Mansion on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 to assess the status of the University of Liberia's infrastructure rehabilitation program and identify measures to fast-track the reopening of the institution. The meeting brought together the Ministers of State for Presidential Affairs, Finance and Development Planning, Public Works, Local Government, and Education, together with the University's leadership, Board of Trustees, and other key stakeholders.
It may be recalled that the Government appropriated approximately US$6.3 million for the renovation and modernization of facilities across the University of Liberia. While the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning has processed the necessary funding, President Boakai noted that he has not received sufficient evidence of substantial physical work on the ground. The meeting was therefore convened to establish the actual status of implementation, identify the causes of delay, and agree on practical measures to accelerate progress.
During the meeting, the University Administration outlined its phased renovation strategy, which includes the construction of a new twenty-five-classroom building at the Fendall Campus, the modernization of the University's largest academic building, and targeted rehabilitation works at the Capitol Hill and Sinje campuses. The University acknowledged, however, that major construction activities have yet to commence, citing technical delays associated with the procurement system.
Participants also agreed that while long-term modernization remains essential, urgent rehabilitation works affecting student safety and learning conditions, including roofing, sanitation, water supply, sewage systems, and structurally deficient facilities, must receive immediate attention before the University's reopening. The Ministry of Public Works was tasked with working closely with the University to validate project designs, implementation timelines, and technical priorities, while the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning committed to addressing procurement bottlenecks to ensure the timely commencement of works.
The Board of Trustees of the University will continue to closely monitor progress and work to improve working relations and better coordination among faculty, administration, and staff. The University Administration and Board of Trustees were also directed to engage faculty and students and maintain regular communication regarding renovation activities and reopening arrangements.
The meeting concluded with a comprehensive action plan that includes the immediate establishment of a joint technical team, the preparation of a costed and sequenced implementation program, the resolution of procurement challenges, and the creation of a Coordination Committee to be co-chaired by the Ministry of Public Works and the UL Administration. Other members of the Coordinating Committee include the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Education, and the Ministry of State.
President Boakai reaffirmed that improving the quality of higher education remains a priority of his Administration under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. He emphasized that the Government has made the necessary financial commitment and expects corresponding urgency in implementation, stressing that Liberia's premier public university must provide students and faculty with a safe, modern, and conducive learning environment.
The President called on all institutions involved to work collaboratively, remove administrative bottlenecks, and ensure that visible progress is achieved without further delay.
