By: SHALLON S. GONLOR
NIMBA COUNTY — The dilapidated condition of the road leading to the Government-run Nimba University in Sanniquellie has become a pressing concern for both students and residents.
The stretch of road from Police Station View to the University Campus is in shambles, marked by numerous potholes and uneven surfaces that pose significant challenges for daily commuters. This vital road not only serves as a passage for students seeking education but also connects several residential homes and important departmental setups, including colleges within the university.
Students who rely on this road to access their education have expressed their disappointment over the dilapidated conditions of the road. “It’s uncomfortable and unsafe to travel this road every day,” said students enrolled in Colleges of Education and Social Sciences, Agriculture and Food Sciences, Business and Public Administration, Engineering and Geosciences, and Health Sciences of the state-run Nimba University. “We deserve better infrastructure that reflects our need for quality education.”
The deplorable road condition is not just a minor inconvenience; it hampers willingness and affects the overall learning process. With the academic semester in full swing, the deteriorating conditions have become a major distraction, making it difficult for students to cross to the University Campus to attend their classes. The situation is equally concerning for residents who rely on this road for their daily activities. The road connects various departmental setups essential for the university’s development and local needs. Students and locals depend on this route to access higher education and support services.
The inconvenience caused by the road’s condition directly impacts their livelihoods and basic social services. Moreover, these individuals often face difficulties traveling to and fro, further complicating their access to education and other activities. Residents and motorists have expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation and are urging the University President, Dr. Jesse Noah Mongrue, and the able administration to take immediate action to repair the road.
Community members believe that improving the road will enhance safety for students and residents alike, as well as facilitate better access to important facilities. The collective voice of the community highlights the urgent need for infrastructure improvements that support both education and local livelihoods.
According to them, a well-maintained road would encourage more visitors and businesses to the area, fostering economic growth and development. It would also enhance the overall quality of life for residents, making travel safer and more efficient.
Alphanso Mantor, a resident of Police Station View, said the road leading to their community is in dire need of repair, and the voices of students and locals must be heard. He, however, urged the university administration to step up and ensure that this essential route is safe and accessible for all. “By investing in infrastructure, the administration can not only improve transportation but also foster a sense of community and support to the educational aspirations of the youth,” he added.
Mantor stressed that the future of Nimba depends on the actions taken today to restore hope and opportunity for all its residents. Therefore, the road leading to the county’s only higher institution of learning that lies in ruin should be repaired. The challenges posed by this road, according to Alphanso Mantor, are not just logistical; they symbolize a larger issue of infrastructural neglect in the county.
Poor road conditions are hampering potential students from accessing local institutions and hindering economic growth by making it difficult for businesses to thrive, he added. In light of these challenges, the residents of Sanniquellie, Nimba County, hope that the university administration will take the pressing concerns seriously and act swiftly to address the road’s condition.
The community is eager for a commitment to infrastructure development that meets their needs and enhances their quality of life. The hope is that swift action will restore the integrity of this vital roadway, allowing everyone to travel with ease and confidence. It is pertinent to mention that the university’s current academic semester enrollment of students is estimated at hundreds of thousands but is challenged by a poor road network.
In line with its Mineral Development Agreement, the management of ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) gives a full check of Fifty Thousand ($50,000) United States Dollars to Nimba University as part of its annual support to the institution. However, students and people of Nimba have, over the years, doubted the usage and management of AML annual support to the university and students.
