Dr. Layli Maparyan, President of the University of Liberia (UL), has issued a stern condemnation following a violent attack on Prof. Sekou Konneh, Vice President of Student Affairs, by members of the Student Unification Party (SUP). The incident, which occurred on the UL Fendall Campus, involved alleged acts of aggression, including the brandishing of weapons and destruction of property.
In a strongly worded statement addressed to SUP and the broader student body, Dr. Maparyan described the actions as “unacceptable” and in clear violation of both university policies and Liberian law. He warned that students found to have brought weapons onto campus would face immediate expulsion, emphasizing that such behavior undermines the institution’s mission of education and peaceful discourse.
The confrontation follows weeks of escalating tensions between SUP and the university administration. Last week, SUP members staged a protest outside Dr. Maparyan’s office, raising concerns over alleged procedural violations in the issuance of suspension letters to some of its members. They accused Prof. Konneh’s office of failing to follow due process, including withholding student handbooks and issuing suspensions without prior warnings.
Dr. Maparyan acknowledged these grievances, assuring students that an investigation would be conducted. However, he also reminded them that disciplinary measures are necessary when student conduct breaches university regulations. Despite this, tensions flared further when, after leaving the meeting, SUP members allegedly assaulted two staff members from the Office of Student Affairs, one of whom required medical attention.
Over the weekend, the situation worsened when a social media post circulated a “Wanted” poster targeting Prof. Konneh, a move Dr. Maparyan described as a dangerous escalation.
The conflict reached a boiling point on Monday when SUP members reportedly stormed the Office of Student Affairs, disrupting classes on both the Fendall and Capitol Hill campuses. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with some students allegedly wielding sticks and knives.
Dr. Maparyan condemned the disruptions, stating, “The University of Liberia exists to deliver education, not to serve as a political playground.” He warned that students involved in “hooliganistic protests” could face suspension, particularly if prior warnings had been ignored.
While expressing disappointment in the violent turn of events, Dr. Maparyan extended an olive branch to SUP members committed to nonviolent activism.
“For those who value peaceful protest and reform, I urge you to stand firm in your commitment to dialogue,” he said. “There is so much we could achieve together if the violence stops.”
Quoting revolutionary icon Che Guevara, he reminded students that true change is born from love, not destruction. “Leaving a trail of violence is not revolutionary, it is immature,” he added.
The university administration has pledged a full investigation into the incidents, with disciplinary actions to follow based on findings. Dr. Maparyan reiterated that while student grievances are legitimate, they must be addressed through proper channels rather than force.
“Everyone here wants a better UL,” he concluded. “The question now is: Who will actually bring it about?”
As tensions remain high, the university community waits to see whether dialogue or further confrontation will shape the future of Africa’s oldest higher education institution.
