PYJ Polytechnic University faces closure?

By Thomas Domah, Nimba County 

Ganta, Liberia, May 2, 2025 – Barely five months following the death of Senator Prince Yormie Johnson in November 2024, several properties of the late senator and evangelist, including his PYJ Polytechnic University in Ganta, Voice of Faith Radio, and a mineral water company, are currently closed to the public.

There has been no reason provided when the NEW DAWN Nimba Correspondent visited the facilities recently. 

Students of the polytechnic are migrating from the institution to other facilities to receive their education. Millions of dollars were spent on his funeral in Ganta, with huge amount of said money coming from social development fund. 

Our correspondent, who toured the facilities, says there is no indication how soon the university and other business facilities will resume services to the public.

Several Nimbaians, who spoke with this paper, said that there no sign has been shown how soon these facilities will re-open for normal activities.

Some grieving citizens lamented that there seems to be no plan by the County administration, including Vice President Jeremiah Koung, political leader of the late Senator PYJ’s MDR party to get the three institutions functional again in the shortest time possible.

During the recent Nimba County Senatorial By-election to fill the seat left behind by the late senator, Vice President Koung, Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono, and other prominent Nimbaians were seen campaigning, calling on citizens, particularly from the county, not to allow the legacy of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson to diminish by his death.

During the late senator’s funeral service in Ganta, which was attended by President Joseph Boakai, former President George Weah and other former and current officials, including lawmakers and senators, the president of the PYJ Polytechnic University, Roland D. Yormie, expressed disappointment and urged government and Liberians to ensure that the university is functional but since then, there has been no response from the government, including local authorities and Vice President Koung.

Residents of LPRC Community also expressed concern over closure of the Voice of Faith Radio owned by the late Evangelist-turned politician.

When contacted, the widow of the late Senator PYJ and the Acting President of the PYJ Polytechnic University, Mr. Yogie Sumo, Jr., promised to respond to the New Dawn’s inquiry when he returns to the county, but Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono did not answer calls. Editing by Jonathan Browne