-Seeks $42 Million Support for Growth and Renovation
By Vaye A. Lepolu
In a bid to address pressing challenges and enhance the educational environment, the University of Liberia (UL) has formally requested $42 million in budgetary support from the House of Senators of the 55th National Legislature. This appeal was made by Acting President Prof. Al-Hassan Conteh during a presentation to the Senate Committee on Ways, Means, and Finance. However, the budget has been passed by the House of Representatives and concurred by the Senate.
During a recent press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICAT), Prof. Conteh emphasized the critical need for funding to facilitate the growth and development of the University of Liberia, which plays a vital role in shaping the lives of citizens across the nation. He outlined that while the university aims to generate $3.5 million in revenue, it still faces a significant funding gap of $4.8 million for the fiscal year 2025. This gap includes $3.9 million earmarked for essential renovations and $1 million for unpaid arrears owed to adjunct faculty.
The requested $42 million is intended for a comprehensive renovation of the university’s campuses, including maintenance of classrooms, offices, and laboratories. Additionally, the funds would support the procurement of essential equipment and chemicals for the university’s science, medical, engineering, and agriculture programs. Prof. Conteh also noted that the budget would ensure timely payment of salaries for faculty and staff, as well as address outstanding arrears for faculty members on study leave.
In his address, Prof. Conteh highlighted the university’s commitment to advancing research initiatives aimed at promoting academic excellence and improving its international ranking. He asserted that the funds would facilitate local and global research activities and help tackle challenges identified in the higher education sector, particularly those outlined in the African Agenda for Innovation and Development (AAID). Furthermore, the budget would support the establishment of new programs, including a Biomedical Science and Educational Doctoral program.
To ensure effective use of the university’s remaining budget of $35 million for the 2024 fiscal year, Prof. Conteh announced a collaboration with the Ministries of Finance and Public Works to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Capitol Hill and Fendall campuses. This assessment aims to guarantee that the university’s financial resources are allocated efficiently to meet operational expenditures throughout the year.
Prof. Conteh provided a detailed breakdown of the projected expenditures, which total approximately $35 million from January 1 to December 17, 2024. This includes $31.9 million for personnel costs, $585,000 for materials and supplies, and $2.3 million for general and administrative expenses, among other allocations.
Despite having paid faculty and staff salaries up to December 2024, the university still owes $29 million in arrears to adjunct faculty. Prof. Conteh assured that plans are in place to settle these debts promptly and announced the formation of a committee to revise the Human Resource manual, aiming to establish policies for faculty and staff promotions.
Prof. Conteh revealed that the Ministry of Public Works has completed a comprehensive assessment report for the renovation of UL’s campuses. The report indicates that renovation efforts will require $3,920,863.57, while the construction of access roads using concrete pavement is estimated at $9,258,548.78. Together, these projects total approximately $13,179,412.25, with plans to enhance the university’s facilities ahead of the upcoming academic year.
