Since the ascendency of the first female President of the United Methodist University (UMU), Dr. Yar Donlah Gonway-Gono, there are lots of development initiatives currently taking place at the various campuses of the university in Liberia.
Prior to her ascendency, the university incurred about US$1.4 million debt; however, her leadership is said to have settled over US$1 million of that amount, including all salary arrears inherited. According to information, the United Methodist University (UMU) only owes December 2021 and January 2022 salaries for contract instructors, and January 2022 salaries for administration.
In addition, Dr. Gonway-Gono and her team at the university have paid an outstanding Ecobank loan, in the amount of US$174,000.
Providing the annual reports of UMU at the just-ended Liberia Annual Conference (LAC) of the United Methodist Church in Ganta, Nimba County, the sixth president of the university informed delegates at the event that every department of the university under her leadership is undergoing transformation.
According to her, the university is restoring its image with the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP).
Dr. Gono noted that the university has started payment of withholding taxes to LRA and arranging payment plan with the NASSCORP authorities.
She stated that her leadership has embarked on aggressive renovation and refurbishment of the entire university facility, disclosing that the renovation of 38 student bathrooms and the installation of running water facility on the Monrovia campus have been completed.
Dr. Gono also informed the body that renovation and furnishment of the Administrative Office at the university’s main campus has completed, and that US$288,871 was spent on renovation, furniture and fittings, machinery and office equipment, etc.
She said the university has purchased and successfully installed its own internet connectivity platform of Wifi service for its students, and WIFI connection is expected by next academic semester.
“This has been a long challenge where ICT fees of US$10 was paid by each student every semester, but the leadership at the time could not provide the service,” she said.
Dr. Gono stated that they are sourcing funding to continue the renovation of the university’s library, laboratory, classrooms and dormitory in Ganta Town, Gbarnga.
She said a plan is underway by the university to kickoff its master’s program in other disciplines.
The University’s sixth President spoke on a number of issues confronting the forward march of the school.