President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. received a delegation of student leaders from the University of Liberia at the Executive Mansion on July 2, 2024. The delegation was led by Mary Korpo Kerkula, President of the University of Liberia Student Union (ULSU), and included representatives from various student organizations such as the Student Integration Movement (SIM), the Student Democratic Alliance (STUDA), the Progressive Student Alliance (PROSA), the Varsity Christian Fellowship, and the University of Liberia Muslim Student Association.
Kerkula commended President Boakai for addressing discord within the university and presented six key areas of concern for government attention. These included improving university facilities, renovating campuses, upgrading laboratories and libraries to meet international standards, and providing internet connectivity to the University of Liberia Student Union Resource Center.
The students also highlighted the need for internship opportunities, scholarships, student exchange programs, and making university facilities handicap-friendly to support physically challenged students.
In response, President Boakai acknowledged the critical role of the University of Liberia in national development and its significance as a refuge for students from conflict-affected African countries. He committed to enhancing learning conditions at the university and emphasized open communication over ultimatums or violence.
Chairman of the University Board of Trustees, Grand Kru County Senator Numene T.H. Bartekwa, noted that campus conditions have improved since measures were taken to restore calm under President Boakai’s leadership.
