By Jerromie S. Walters
Controversy has emerged following the appointment of Dr. Layli Maparyan, a foreign national, as president of the State-run University of Liberia. While some praise the decision, others argue that a Liberian should have been prioritized.
About twenty-two candidates applied for the post, the majority of whom were Liberians. However, following what the Executive Mansion characterized as a “rigorous search process,” Dr. Layli Maparyan was picked as the best-suited candidate. Research shows that the University of Sierra Leone, Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, and the University of Cocody-Abidjan, which are the largest universities from the three states bordering Liberia, are being led by a citizen and alumni of said universities.
But like several other individuals, Al-Hassan Conteh, Ph.D., the Acting President, has welcomed the appointment of Professor Dr. Layli Maparyan and congratulated her. He noted in a special message published by the University of Liberia on Sunday. His words, “Please join me in extending a warm welcome to our new President. Together, let us ensure that this new chapter in our university’s history is both successful and memorable. Congratulations, Professor Dr. Maparyan, and welcome to the Lux-in-Tenebris.
Dr. Kimmie Weeks opposes this.
Dr. Kimmie Weeks, a prominent Liberian, expressed concern over Dr. Maparyan’s appointment. He believes that leadership positions at such prestigious institutions should reflect the nation’s talent and intellect. His opinion matches several other Liberians who believe the university needs a president who’s familiar with its workings. “Such appointments showcase the caliber of a country’s academics and serve as role models for students,” Dr. Weeks stated. He recalled the pride felt when Dr. Rocheforte L. Weeks became the first Liberian president of the university, ending a long tradition of foreign leadership.
Dr. Weeks emphasized that Dr. Weeks’ appointment demonstrated Liberia’s ability to produce top-tier academics. However, he fears this recent decision signifies a step backward. “We must prioritize competence, national pride, and the development of homegrown talent,” he urged. He called for a renewed commitment to fostering local leadership within Liberia’s educational institutions. Dr. Weeks highlighted the potential for progress when the nation uplifts its talent.
Like Dr. Weeks, the Student Unification Party (SUP), which initially outlined 30 key demands for the university’s administration, emphasized the importance of local understanding and familiarity with the challenges facing the institution and the country. While the SUP says it is currently reviewing Dr. Maparyan’s appointment, it voiced apprehension about her ability to effectively lead the university, citing her lack of familiarity with Liberia’s socio-economic realities.
The party, through its Secretary General, narrated to this paper that previous administrations have struggled with prioritizing the needs of the University of Liberia, leading to a series of challenges that remain unaddressed. The Party calls for a leadership that truly understands the local context, urging stakeholders to consider the implications of appointing individuals who may lack insight into Liberia’s educational landscape.
“Bringing any foreign policy will have no impact so long there is administrative stiffness in addressing the pressing issues. Again, we are concerned about the question of understanding the environment from our perspective,” Odecious Mulbah noted.
The Appointment
According to a release from the Executive Mansion on January 5, 2025, Dr. Maparyan’s appointment was approved by the University’s Board of Trustees by the University of Liberia’s Charter. In his letter of appointment, President Boakai expressed confidence in Dr. Maparyan’s ability, integrity, and experience. He trusts she will demonstrate these qualities in her service to the University and the nation.
The Executive Mansion stated that her selection followed a rigorous search process by the University of Liberia Board of Trustees Search Committee, which identified her as a leading candidate. The Executive Mansion noted that Dr. Maparyan’s ties to Liberia date back to her tenure as a Fulbright Specialist at the University of Liberia in 2010. She has received numerous awards, including the Distinguished Citizen Award for Service to the Liberian Community in 2009.
By Article IV, Section 1 of the University’s Charter, President Boakai nominated Dr. Maparyan on December 18, 2024. The Board of Trustees convened on December 23, 2024, and unanimously approved her nomination.
Who is Dr. Maparyan?
Dr. Maparyan is a distinguished academic and prolific scholar. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Wellesley Centers for Women (WCW) and is a Professor of Africana Studies at Wellesley College in Massachusetts, USA. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Temple University and an M.S. in Psychology from Penn State University. She earned her undergraduate degree in Philosophy (cum laude) from Spelman College.
Dr. Maparyan has held positions as Associate Professor and Assistant Professor at Georgia State University’s Women’s Studies Institute, as well as Assistant Professor at the University of Georgia’s Department of Psychology and Institute for African American Studies. Married to a Liberian, she will officially assume her duties as President on January 10, 2025, the day of her induction.
Can Dr. Maparyan offer fresh solutions?
A Liberian, Courage B. Sundberg, expressed support for the appointment of a newly recommended president from abroad. While Sundberg acknowledges a preference for local leadership, she believes that this international candidate could bring invaluable benefits to the institution.
Sundberg highlights the candidate’s diverse experiences and extensive international networks as key assets that could enrich UL. She further emphasizes the need for open-mindedness among Liberians, suggesting that an outsider might be better equipped to identify issues or inefficiencies that locals may overlook.
The potential for enhanced cross-cultural communication is another significant advantage of appointing an international leader. Sundberg believes that such a leader could foster collaboration among students, staff, and external stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, thereby enriching the university community. Sundberg also envisions a shift in leadership style, with the new president likely to introduce innovative methods and practices that have proven successful in other regions. “This could offer fresh solutions to the challenges we face,” he suggested.
Neighboring Universities
Unlike the state-run University of Liberia, which is expected to be led by a foreign national beginning January 10, 2025, Dr. Margaret Catherine Baio-Gbanie IV is the current Chancellor/President of the University of Sierra Leone. She is a typical Sierra Leonean and was born to the late Mr. Daniel Anthony Baio and Paramount Chief Madam Veronica Komeh Baio-Gbanie III.
She received her education in the Catholic tradition and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in History and English Language from Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone. Dr. Baio-Gbanie IV is the first female Chancellor of the University of Sierra Leone, the oldest university in Africa, established in February 1827.
On the other hand, Alpha Kabinet Keita is the current Rector [President] of the Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, the largest university in Guinea. He is a typical Guinean and has held the position since February 10, 2022. Born in May 1980 in Conakry, Guinea, Keita is a microbiologist. The University of Conakry was founded in 1962 as the Institut Polytechnique de Conakry.
Also, Professor BALLO Zié is the current President of the University of Cocody-Abidjan, the largest university in Ivory Coast. He is an Ivorian and has held the post since January 20, 2021. Professor Zié studied economics at the UFHB and obtained two DEAs, one in Industrial Economics at the University of Cocody-Abidjan. The Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny (UFHB) is located in the Cocody section of Abidjan. Established on January 9, 1964, it is the largest university in Côte d’Ivoire, with over 50,000 students.
