Monrovia — The University of Liberia has launched an official repainting project on the exterior of its Graduate School building, months after members of the Student Unification Party (SUP) carried out a symbolic paint job on the same structure in protest of what they described as years of government neglect.
The new repainting initiative forms part of the university’s broader infrastructure improvement program and aligns with Strategic Objective 1.5, which focuses on renovation, beautification, and new construction across the campus.
Earlier this year, members of SUP, the university’s prominent student political organization, roughly painted portions of the Graduate School building as a form of protest. At the time, the student group argued that the building had remained in a deteriorated condition for years because authorities had failed to allocate funding or take responsibility for its rehabilitation.
The action drew widespread attention on campus and sparked discussions about the state of infrastructure at the country’s premier public university.
University authorities have now begun a formal repainting effort to restore the building’s appearance. The project started with the cleaning of the structure’s exterior walls, followed by the application of a white primer coat to prepare the surface for the final painting.
Workers have since begun applying the building’s official yellow and red exterior colors, gradually transforming the structure from its previously stained and weathered appearance into a brighter and more polished facility.
For many years, the Graduate School building had shown clear signs of deterioration, including mold-stained walls and fading paint that had raised concerns among students, faculty members, and visitors.
University officials acknowledged that the condition of the building had long undermined the image of the institution, widely regarded as Liberia’s flagship public university.
The repainting project is being supervised by Interim Vice President for Administration Sehmah R. Jallah and Jeff Walker, Director of the Physical Operations Department, who are overseeing the implementation of the work.
Officials commended the team carrying out the project, noting that their efforts are contributing to the broader goal of improving the university’s physical environment and restoring pride in campus facilities.
The university also expressed appreciation to the Government of Liberia for allocating infrastructure funding to the institution. Authorities specifically recognized the Liberian Legislature, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. for approving US$6 million in infrastructure funding for the university in the 2026 fiscal year.
According to university officials, the funding will support several renovation and development initiatives across the institution’s campuses.
Staff members working in the Graduate School building have welcomed the repainting project, describing it as an important morale boost.
Jonathan Taylor, Vice President for Graduate Studies, said the transformation reflects a renewed commitment to providing an environment that better represents the dignity and mission of the university.
The repainting of the Graduate School building forms part of a broader effort by the University of Liberia to modernize its infrastructure and improve the overall appearance of its campuses, while responding to longstanding concerns raised by students and members of the university community.
