Montserrado County’s district #9 Representative, Frank Saah Foko, has called on members of the House of Representatives to intervene in the University of Liberia (UL) continued disruption of classes on its campuses. The district #9 lawmaker made the appeal on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at the 5th day sitting of the Special Session of the 54th National Legislature.
“With distinguished pleasure, I bring you greetings from the good people of electoral district #9, Montserrado County. In my capacity as the Co-Chair on the Committee on Youth and Sports, I write to bring to your attention the continuous disruption of classes on the campuses of the University of Liberia,” Representative Foko’s communication reads.
Honorable Foko said since the resumption of classes on the campuses of the University of Liberia (UL) concerns have been raised about the learning facilities of the university, and he strongly believes that if actions are not taken the young people risk another disruption in their education. “Honorable Speaker and fellow distinguished colleagues, I seek your support to invite the administration of the university to tell us what are the challenges they face, as we move into 2022 fiscal year budget discussion.”
On June 30, 2021, Representative Foko said the administration of the University of Liberia, through its official Facebook page, announced the transition from traditional in-contact learning to a 100% online learning. This, according to him, was due to the third wave of the Covid-19 outbreak in the country, and this pronouncement created serious tension on the Capitol Hill Campus of the University of Liberia.
He emphasized that students were concerned about the effectiveness and efficiency of the university to have a 100% online learning amidst these struggling times. After many consultative meetings with stakeholders, including students, according Representative Foko’s letter, the university concluded on a 60% traditional learning and 40% online learning system.
“Honorable Speaker and distinguished colleagues, it is my hope that this action can help us understand the challenges of the state university and inform us on what needs to be done in addressing the situation at the university. This, I believe, will help reduce the continuous protest and disruption of our citizens’ education.”
The Montserrado County district #9 representative’s letter was forwarded to the House’s Committee on Education to probe the University of Liberia’s continued disruption of class allegation and report to plenary in one week’s period for further legislative action.