Monrovia, Liberia – The University of Liberia has publicly apologized to Representative Thomas Romeo Quiah after a hostile student encounter at the Capitol Hill campus disrupted his visit and forced him to leave the university premises.
The apology, issued Wednesday, August 26, 2026, by the administration of UL President Dr. Layli Maparyan, follows an incident in which Quiah, a member of the University’s Board of Trustees and a lawmaker in the 55th National Legislature, was reportedly subjected to heckling, booing, verbal attacks and other disrespectful behavior by some students.
According to the University, Quiah was on campus in his official capacity as a member of the Board when the confrontation occurred.
The administration said the behavior was unacceptable and inconsistent with the standards expected at Liberia’s premier institution of higher learning.
While acknowledging students’ right to voice grievances and challenge decisions, the University stressed that such freedoms must be exercised peacefully and with respect for the dignity of others.
The administration said the incident was particularly regrettable because Quiah was visiting the campus in connection with his responsibilities as a member of the Board of Trustees.
The University had previously communicated an apology privately to the lawmaker but said the public nature of the confrontation made a public expression of regret necessary.
In its statement, the administration apologized for the embarrassment, disrespect and inconvenience Quiah experienced and reaffirmed its appreciation for his service to the University.
The administration also recognized Quiah’s contribution to the University during the interim period preceding the current leadership’s assumption of office more than 19 months ago.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of tensions and disagreements within Liberia’s higher education environment, where students have increasingly used demonstrations and other forms of collective expression to raise concerns.
The University, however, drew a distinction between legitimate protest and conduct that crosses the line into personal humiliation or disruption.
The administration emphasized that students remain entitled to express frustration, disagreement and criticism, but argued that those rights carry corresponding responsibilities.
For UL, the incident has become an opportunity to restate what it believes should define academic life: open debate, tolerance, peaceful engagement and respect for opposing viewpoints.
The administration warned that disagreement should not be allowed to undermine the dignity of individuals or damage the reputation of the institution.
The University further appealed to students, faculty members, staff, administrators and other stakeholders to use constructive dialogue rather than confrontation when addressing disputes.
The administration said it remains committed to protecting students’ right to speak and participate in university affairs while also protecting the rights and dignity of every other member of the academic community.
The public apology is therefore being presented not simply as an expression of regret to one Board member, but as a reaffirmation of the standards UL expects from its entire community.
Dr. Maparyan’s administration expressed hope that the gesture would help rebuild and strengthen relations among the Board of Trustees, university administration, students, faculty and staff.
The University reiterated that disagreement remains an essential part of a vibrant academic environment, but maintained that meaningful disagreement must be expressed through peaceful and respectful means.
