GRAND BASSA COUNTY, LIBERIA-Several students under the banner “Concern Students of Grand Bassa University” have issued a three-day ultimatum to Dr. Samuel Monwell to relinquish his post as President of the university.
The students made the call Monday, July 18, 2022, when they launched a protest in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
The aggrieved students, in a 15-count petition, accused Dr. Monwell of bad administrative practices and corruption.
In the statement read by Tyron Dopoe, the students named the indefinite closure of the Health Sciences Department and some TVET programs, misplacement of staff and the forceful payment of extra fees by students.
The protesting said they are resolved not to have Dr. Monwell as President of the University, threatening to embarrass the County if he stays.
Meanwhile, the Grand Bassa County Commander of the Liberia National Police (LNP), William Johnson, received the petition and promised to deliver it to the relevant authorities.
Commander Johnson appealed to the students to be peaceful and exercise restraint, as they go about their engagement.
In a related development, Dr. Monwell has threatened to revoke the degrees of students involved in Monday’s protest.
According to Dr. Monwell, the protesters are not currently enrolled at the university, but are recent graduates of the institution.
He denied claims listed in the petition, stating that the elevation of the institution to university level represents good administrative skills.
The protest is taking place at the time when the university is writing its midterm test.
Dr. Monwell said:” Though the administration is opened to protest, setting roadblocks and impeding the movement of other students is totally out of order.”
The Grand Bassa County University President vowed to discipline any student involved in the disruption of classes at the institution.
Alpha Bah
