Lofa County University has raised alarm over mounting financial challenges, despite continued budgetary support from the Government of Liberia and the Lofa County Legislative Caucus.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the university administration expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and local lawmakers for their sustained allocations and oversight, which have fueled growth across its campuses.
However, officials warned that the institution is now grappling with a severe financial crisis, driven largely by unpaid tuition fees tied to third-party scholarship programs. While some scholarship providers have honored their commitments, others have defaulted, leaving the university with more than 10 million Liberian dollars in outstanding debt.
The administration noted that the surge in student enrollment has intensified demands for infrastructure expansion and operational resources. Without timely payments, the university says it is struggling to maintain facilities, cover daily expenses, and retain faculty.
As a result, students with unpaid balances—including those linked to defaulted scholarships—will be temporarily barred from accessing grade sheets. Clearance and enrollment for the upcoming semester will also depend on settling outstanding accounts.
“It is never our intention to deprive bright, deserving young minds of their right to education. But quality education requires sustainable financing,” the statement read.
The university is urging all scholarship providers and sponsoring organizations to immediately settle their debts to ensure students can continue their academic journey without disruption.
Despite the financial strain, Lofa County University reaffirmed its commitment to delivering affordable, world-class tertiary education and serving both Lofa County and Liberia at large.
