At a Public Hearing before the Liberian Senate’s Committee on Education and Public Administration, the University of Liberia (UL), backed by the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE), has defended a proposed Revised Charter with major changes affecting many areas of the university.
During the hearing on Monday, August 22, 2022 at the Capitol, the University Administration requested the Senate to approve the revised charter to reflect current realities and support the enhancement of higher education at the University of Liberia.
The Administration highlighted the changes contained in the recommendations proffered in the new version of the charter with major changes affecting areas of the constitution of the Board of Trustees, and the authority of the Visitor of the University, among many others.
In his presentation, Prof. Dr. Julius Julukon Sarwolo Nelson, Jr., President of the University of Liberia, told the Senate Committee that the University’s Charter first developed and became effective on May 24, 1961, was intended to cater to the higher education needs of the Republic at the time, given the nation’s population and educational demands.
However, President Nelson said, since 1961 to present, the University of Liberia has seen tremendous growth and development, thus causing the need for the review of the charter to reflect current realities.
“We are happy and thankful for the invitation for this hearing, as we are certain that its approval will greatly support the enhancement of higher education at our nation’s premier institution of higher learning,” President Nelson said. “We therefore petition this Committee and [the] Plenary of the Honorable Senate to give it consideration as we together chart a new course for the University,” he noted.
The NCHE has joined the UL Administration in requesting the Senate’s approval of the revised charter. Other Senators on the committee publicly announced their support for the University ahead of the various presentations at the hearing.
