The newly appointed President of the University of Liberia (UL), Prof. Dr. Layli Maparyan, will on today, Friday, January 10, 2025 be inducted into office as the 16th President of UL at a special convocation ceremony, to be held on the Fendall campus.
According to information, the special convocation will also be used for the conferral of a doctoral degree on the Visitor and President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
Ahead of the special convocation, the Acting President of UL, Prof. Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, the Board of Trustees and the newly appointed President, Dr. Maparyan, met with the Visitor of the university, President Boakai, at the Executive Mansion on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
At the meeting, President Boakai reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing education in Liberia, expressing confidence in Dr. Maparyan, and stated that her appointment marks a new chapter for the University of Liberia. “Liberia is not new to you, and we are excited to have you at the helm of this historic institution,” the President remarked.
President Boakai expressed hope that her leadership would propel the university toward transformative growth, ensuring its alignment with national priorities, particularly in education and workforce development as outlined in the government’s ARREST Agenda.
The President also commended the UL Board of Trustees for their dedication and rigorous efforts throughout the selection process, noting that their decision to unanimously approve Dr. Maparyan reflects their commitment to excellence in leadership. “The Board’s work was thorough, and we appreciate the diligence it took to reach this point,” he said.
Board of Trustees Chairman, Grand Kru County Senator Numene T.H. Bartekwa, presented Dr. Maparyan to the President, expressing his confidence in her ability to address the longstanding challenges facing the university.
Out-going UL President, Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh, also lauded the integrity of the selection process, noting that it adhered to international standards and brought forth a highly qualified leader.
Also speaking, Dr. Maparyan expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and pledged to dedicate herself fully to the university’s progress. She reflected on her first visit to Liberia in 2009 and described her new role as a fulfillment of her dream to serve the nation.
“Liberia is no longer just my second home—it is now my first home,” she said, underscoring her personal and professional commitment to Liberia’s advancement.