The President of the University of Liberia, Dr. Layli Maparyan, has issued a stern condemnation following the violent incident at the Fendall campus of the University involving members of the Students Unification Party (SUP) and Vice President for Student Affairs, Prof. Sekou Konneh.
In a strong-worded statement addressed to SUP members and the University community, Dr. Maparyan described the attack on Prof. Konneh and the disruption of academic activities as “unacceptable and punishable” under both the University of Liberia regulations and Liberian law. She warned that any student found to have brought weapons onto campus would face immediate expulsion.
“If reports prove to be true through legitimate investigation that any of your members brought knives and sticks on campus, you will be expelled,” Dr. Maparyan emphasized. She also reminded students that possession of weapons on campus is a grave offense requiring no prior warning under University policy.
According to the UL President. The confrontation resulted in physical harm to at least two members of the office of student affairs, one of whom required medical treatment. Over the weekend, tensions escalated further when members of SUP reportedly circulated a “Wanted” poster on social media targeting Prof. Konneh.
Last week, SUP members held a protest at the Capitol Hill campus, raising concerns over the handling of disciplinary actions and alleging procedural violations by the Office of Student Affairs. Dr. Maparyan noted that while she acknowledged their concerns and promised to investigate, the group’s subsequent actions-including bodily harm and property destruction, undermine their cause.
“The University of Liberia exists to deliver education and not serve as a political playground,” the UL President said. “Once politics extends beyond the educational mission, it is no longer welcome here.”
Dr. Maparyan invoked the revolution ideals often referenced by SUP, including a quote by Che Guevara, to underscore that the true revolutionaries are guided by love, not violence.
To members of SUP who were not involved in the violent acts, Dr. Maparyan offered encouragement, urging them to embrace nonviolent activism. “There is so much we could do together if only the violence and irascibility would stop. Everyone here wants a better UL, the question now is, who will bring it about?”
As the investigation continues. The administration has vowed to uphold accountability while maintaining space for lawful student activism and dialogue.
