Protest rocks Lutheran University in Bong

Normal academic activities at the Lutheran University in Suakoko, Bong County, have come to a standstill amidst student protests over poor administration.

By Edwin N. Khakie

Suakoko, Bong County –A wave of student unrest has swept through the Phebe Campus of the Lutheran University in Suakoko, Bong County, as students on Tuesday launched a go-slow protest, citing alleged administrative lapses and demanding swift intervention from the university’s leadership.

The protest, described as peaceful but firm, has disrupted normal academic activities.

Students were seen carrying placards and chanting slogans, accusing the administration of widespread mismanagement, including delayed release of grades, financial opacity, inadequate teaching staff, poor learning conditions, and a general lack of accountability.

Reading a petition on behalf of the student body, Seima S. Walker outlined a series of demands directed at the university’s Board of Trustees and the national government. “The student body declares that these resolutions must be met. We urge the Lutheran University Board of Trustees and the Government of Liberia to act swiftly in our interest,” Walker said.

The students are calling for the immediate resignation of Assistant Dean Mrs. Ida A. C. Brown, stating that her tenure has not positively impacted the institution or student body. The petition also includes the following demands:

Immediate adjustment and adherence to the 2025 academic calendar. A breakdown of registration fees, clearly indicating each component:

Official date for the accreditation of the Laboratory Department, Timeline for the expansion of the Medical Laboratory practicum area, Date and fee disclosure for the upcoming graduation ceremony, Employment of qualified instructors, especially in the Laboratory and other departments.

The students also demanded significant improvement in customer service, particularly at the Admissions Office, Resolution of all dormitory-related issues and enhance student feeding services, as students currently pay USD 325 but are served only one meal per day with a single sachet of water.

“We’re tired of being treated as if our education doesn’t matter,” Walker emphasized. “If our voices are not heard and corrective measures are not taken immediately, we will advocate for the permanent closure of this campus. Enough is enough.”

Students have described conditions on campus as deteriorating. Complaints range from broken furniture and unreliable internet to a lack of essential laboratory tools and unsanitary restrooms. “This is not a learning environment. It’s a struggle,” said one student, who preferred anonymity.

Another student, Grace G Kollie, a second-year nursing major, expressed frustration over the persistent delay in academic results. “We have completed semesters and still have no idea how we performed. How are we supposed to plan our academic futures?” she asked.

The school administrators had not made any comment. However, a source within the administration, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted to some of the challenges and indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue. “There have been setbacks, but we are working to address them. We urge the students to remain calm and participate in constructive engagement,” the source said.

Meanwhile, parents and residents have expressed concern about the ongoing protest. Many fear that prolonged instability could damage the university’s reputation and negatively affect student enrollment. Some are now calling for the Ministry of Education and the National Commission on Higher Education to intervene and mediate between the university administration and protesting students.

As the go-slow enters its second day, the students remain resolute in their demands. Whether the administration will respond with concrete action or allow tensions to escalate remains to be seen. Edited by Othello B. Garblah.