Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-03-05 00:33:00
Nimba University in Sanniquellie, the provincial capital of Liberia, is facing a challenge with over 80 senior and freshmen students being placed on probation for failing to achieve a minimum GPA of 2.00 or above. This decision was made by the university administration after the results of the 2023 semester revealed that a significant number of students had a GPA of 1.00 points.
Some students have voiced allegations against the administration and teaching staff, claiming that they are being asked for sexual favors in exchange for grades. Male students have also raised concerns about lecturers demanding money from them. The affected students are mainly seniors and freshmen.
When approached for comment on these allegations, the administration of Nimba University did not address the issue directly but instead referred inquiries to different offices within the institution. The Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Samuel Duo, refused to respond and redirected the reporter to the Head of Admission, Mr. Lee Yarzule, who did not provide a response.
Assistance Professor Emmanuel A. Donseah, the Dean for the College of Engineering and Geoscience at the university, attributed the high failure rate to poor academic foundation among the students. He mentioned that many students come from schools with inadequate teaching staff, which affects their academic performance.
Dr. Donseah acknowledged the students’ complaints about food insecurity at their homes and stated that a team had been formed to address these challenges. However, he clarified that the university administration does not regulate students’ participation in social activities outside of campus.
In addition to academic issues, Nimba University is facing financial difficulties, with reports of over 80 million Liberian Dollars allegedly being withdrawn from the university account at the Central Bank of Liberia. The university president, Dr. Jesse Noah Mongrue, denied knowledge of these reports, stating that he had not authorized such transactions.
There are also allegations that the university president signed blank checks before traveling abroad in early 2023, raising concerns about financial accountability. The university’s financial challenges coincide with the academic probation of over 80 students, highlighting the need for improved oversight and support for students’ academic success.
Despite these challenges, Nimba University remains committed to addressing the issues and ensuring a conducive learning environment for its students. The administration’s response to the allegations and financial concerns will be closely monitored to uphold the university’s reputation and academic standards.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
