The President of the University of Liberia, Dr. Layli Maparyan, has officially affirmed that Ms. Izetta Jones Howe is the rightful valedictorian of the 105th graduating class of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, following an internal review triggered by concerns raised by activist Martin K. N. Kollie.
In a formal written response dated February 23, 2026, President Maparyan disclosed that the university initiated an investigation after receiving both an anonymous complaint and supporting documentation submitted by Kollie questioning Howe’s designation as Dux of the graduating class.
According to the letter, the administration conducted a comprehensive review that involved consultations with senior academic and legal administrators, as well as an examination of official academic records. At the conclusion of the process, the president determined that Howe’s selection complied fully with established university policies and procedures.
The university explained that the determination of valedictorians falls under the authority of the Faculty Senate, acting on recommendations from the registrar and with authorization from the vice president for academic affairs. Once such recommendations are reviewed and voted on by the Faculty Senate, the decisions become final and official.
While acknowledging that the Student Handbook clearly outlines the criteria for academic distinctions such as cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude, the administration noted that it does not explicitly define the process for selecting a valedictorian or Dux. This omission, the university said, allows the administration a measure of discretion in applying academic judgment.
As part of the review, Howe’s academic records were examined alongside those of other top-performing students in the graduating law class. The university emphasized that special academic honors are awarded strictly on the basis of cumulative grade-point average. Under existing guidelines, students may still qualify for such honors even if they have repeated up to two courses, provided their overall GPA meets the required standard.
Based on these criteria, the administration concluded that Howe held the highest academic standing in her class and was therefore properly designated as valedictorian.
President Maparyan also expressed concern about the public manner in which the allegations were raised, warning of the potential reputational harm such disputes could cause to both the student involved and the institution as a whole. She underscored the university’s commitment to due process, fairness, and the protection of academic integrity.
