The Phebe Campus of the Lutheran University in Suakoko, Bong County, Liberia, has been roiled by student protests stemming from a confluence of administrative shortcomings. Students initiated a go-slow action, effectively halting academic activities, to voice their grievances and compel the university’s leadership to address their concerns. The students’ complaints paint a picture of systemic mismanagement impacting various aspects of campus life, from academic affairs to basic amenities. The core issues revolve around delayed grade releases, a lack of financial transparency, insufficient teaching staff, subpar learning conditions, and a perceived absence of accountability from the administration.
The student body, united in their discontent, presented a petition outlining their demands to the university’s Board of Trustees and the Liberian government. Their primary call is for the immediate resignation of Assistant Dean Ida A. C. Brown, whom they hold responsible for the institution’s decline. Beyond this, the students demand adherence to the 2025 academic calendar, a transparent breakdown of registration fees, accreditation of the Laboratory Department, expansion of the medical laboratory practicum area, clear communication regarding graduation dates and fees, and the recruitment of qualified instructors, particularly in the Laboratory and other underserved departments. They also insist on improvements in customer service, especially within the Admissions Office, resolution of dormitory issues, and enhancement of student feeding services, which they deem inadequate given the current fees.
The students’ frustration stems from what they perceive as a disregard for their educational well-being. They lament the deteriorating conditions on campus, citing broken furniture, unreliable internet access, a shortage of essential laboratory equipment, and unsanitary restrooms. These conditions, they argue, create an environment unconducive to learning and hinder their academic progress. The delayed release of academic results further exacerbates their anxieties, leaving them unable to plan their future studies effectively. This lack of communication and transparency has fueled their distrust in the administration and intensified their resolve to see their demands met.
The university administration, while yet to issue a formal statement, has acknowledged some of the challenges through an anonymous source. This source indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue with the students and work towards resolving the issues. However, the absence of a direct and public response from the administration has done little to quell the students’ unrest. The continued silence risks further escalating tensions and prolonging the disruption of academic activities.
The student protests have also drawn the attention of parents and local residents, who express concern about the potential damage to the university’s reputation and its impact on student enrollment. They urge the Ministry of Education and the National Commission on Higher Education to intervene and mediate a resolution between the administration and the protesting students. This external pressure underscores the broader implications of the ongoing crisis and the need for a swift and effective response.
The situation at the Lutheran University remains fluid, with the students determined to continue their go-slow action until their demands are met. The administration’s next steps will be crucial in determining whether the situation de-escalates or further deteriorates. A failure to address the students’ concerns with concrete actions could lead to a protracted standoff, with potentially severe consequences for the university’s future. The call for external mediation highlights the urgency of the situation and the need for a collaborative approach to restore normalcy and address the underlying issues plaguing the institution.
