By: Chuckey Radamel Thomas
Monrovia, Liberia – The newly inaugurated President of the Adjunct Faculty Association of the University of Liberia (AFA-UL), George Sahr Tengbeh, has promised to champion the rights and welfare of adjunct lecturers, with a focus on fair treatment, job security and improved working conditions.
Tengbeh made the commitment on Friday, November 6, during his inauguration at the University of Liberia’s Capitol Hill campus, outlining his administration’s priorities for strengthening the association and improving the professional environment for its members.
He called for greater cooperation among faculty groups, university administrators and students, emphasizing that internal disagreements should not interfere with the institution’s academic responsibilities.
The AFA-UL president specifically urged stronger collaboration between his association and the University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA), describing the two organizations as partners with a shared responsibility to promote academic excellence.
He said his leadership would prioritize constructive engagement with university authorities while pressing for policies that address longstanding concerns affecting adjunct faculty members.
Among the issues he identified were delays or difficulties in obtaining employment contracts, unclear course allocation procedures, inconsistent remuneration and limited opportunities for professional advancement.
Tengbeh disclosed that the association’s records show 348 adjunct lecturers hold master’s degrees, while 16 possess PhDs. He argued that their qualifications should translate into fair opportunities for academic employment, research participation and international professional exchanges.
He also proposed that adjunct lecturers who cannot be accommodated in permanent positions should be considered for contracts of at least one year to provide greater employment stability and security.
On institutional governance, Tengbeh called for regular independent audits of the University of Liberia’s financial records, personnel documentation and academic credentials. He said transparent management and accountability were necessary to strengthen confidence in the university’s administration.
He also welcomed the appointment of Dr. Layli Maparyan as President of the University of Liberia, expressing hope that her leadership would improve the institution’s academic standards and strengthen its competitiveness among leading universities across Africa.
The association president further advocated increased access to research programmes, doctoral education and professional development opportunities for qualified adjunct lecturers.
Turning to student concerns, Tengbeh urged university authorities to strengthen counselling and psychological support services, noting that students experiencing emotional, financial and family-related difficulties need appropriate institutional assistance.
He warned that students should not bear the consequences of disputes between faculty members, university administrators or professional associations, stressing that their academic progress must remain a priority.
Tengbeh pledged to lead the association through transparency, humility, teamwork and accountability, while remaining committed to defending the professional interests of its members.
He said his administration would rely on dialogue, professional negotiations and evidence-based advocacy to address concerns rather than resorting to unnecessary confrontation.
In his closing remarks, he challenged members of the university community to work collectively toward strengthening the University of Liberia’s role in national development.
He urged faculty members, administrators, student groups and other stakeholders to ensure that their decisions and actions contribute to the institution’s progress instead of creating barriers to its future.
