The University of Liberia (UL) has initiated the disbursement of long-awaited salary arrears to its adjunct faculty, bringing relief and smiles to the faces of those who have patiently awaited their compensation. This positive development follows the release of funds by the Liberian government, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the university’s operations and ensuring the financial well-being of its educators. The disbursement process, managed by the UL Comptroller, Mr. Togar Gibson, commenced with payments to faculty members holding accounts with Ecobank and is progressively extending to other banking institutions. Mr. Gibson affirmed the university’s dedication to completing all outstanding payments for adjunct faculty, including those who taught overload courses, by the following week. This commitment ensures that all deserving faculty members receive their due compensation for their valuable contributions to the university’s academic mission.
The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MoFDP) played a crucial role in enabling these payments by disbursing LD50.7 million (fifty million seven hundred thousand Liberian dollars) specifically designated for arrears accrued during the first semester of the 2024/2025 academic year. This disbursement represents the second installment of the planned payment, with the initial fifty percent having been disbursed in August 2025. This phased approach to payment reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the outstanding financial obligations in a structured and timely manner. The UL Administration is actively engaged with the Ministry to secure an additional LD71 million to address further liabilities, specifically those stemming from recent vacation school sessions, and to ensure the comprehensive settlement of all remaining faculty payments. This proactive approach underscores the administration’s dedication to fulfilling its financial commitments to its faculty and maintaining the smooth functioning of the university.
The UL administration acknowledged the government’s vital support in keeping the university operational, expressing gratitude for the additional funding provided through the MoFDP. This financial backing is essential for maintaining the university’s functionality and enabling it to fulfill its educational mandate. Mr. Gibson emphasized the prioritization of faculty and staff well-being within the UL Administration’s agenda, highlighting the commitment to creating a supportive fiscal environment that fosters effectiveness and efficiency among the university’s human resources. This commitment recognizes the crucial role played by faculty and staff in the university’s success and seeks to empower them through timely and adequate compensation.
The delay in payments for the first semester was attributed to a necessary budgetary adjustment, which involved reallocating US$1 million towards settling arrears from the preceding 2023/2024 academic year. This reallocation, while causing a temporary delay in the current semester’s payments, demonstrated the university’s commitment to addressing past financial obligations and ensuring that all faculty members receive their rightful compensation. The President of the Adjunct Faculty Association of the University of Liberia (AFA-UL), Madam Wilhelmina Garr Stevens, confirmed the commencement of payments to association members. This confirmation, substantiated by notifications from the association’s chatroom indicating credits to members’ accounts across various banks, provided tangible evidence of the payment process being underway.
The positive impact of the disbursement was palpable among the adjunct faculty, with several members expressing their appreciation through telephone interviews conducted by UL Relations. They commended the administration’s prompt action in addressing the outstanding payments, recognizing the university’s responsiveness to their financial needs. The faculty members also acknowledged the assurances provided by UL authorities regarding the settlement of arrears for vacation school classes upon receipt of the remaining US$550,000. This proactive communication and commitment to transparency further strengthened the trust between the administration and the faculty, fostering a positive working relationship.
In conclusion, the disbursement of salary arrears to adjunct faculty at the University of Liberia represents a significant step towards ensuring the financial stability and well-being of the university’s dedicated educators. The collaborative efforts of the government, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and the UL Administration have facilitated this positive outcome, demonstrating a shared commitment to supporting the university’s mission and valuing the contributions of its faculty. The transparent communication and the phased approach to payment have instilled confidence among the faculty, fostering a sense of appreciation and trust in the institution’s leadership. This positive development not only alleviates the financial strain on the adjunct faculty but also strengthens the overall academic environment at the University of Liberia, paving the way for continued growth and progress.
