NPA Leads Private Sector Push for UL -One-Million-Dollar Drive Targets Learning Conditions

MONROVIA – At a time when Liberia’s public institutions are under pressure to rebuild credibility, capacity, and relevance, the condition of the University of Liberia has emerged as both a symbol and a test of national commitment to human capital development. Chronic infrastructure decay, overcrowded classrooms, and inadequate facilities have long undermined the learning environment at the country’s flagship public university. Against this backdrop, the National Port Authority’s decision to spearhead a US$1 million fundraising campaign marks a notable shift toward private-public collaboration in restoring dignity to public education. The initiative signals growing recognition within Liberia’s corporate and state leadership that meaningful national recovery begins not only with macroeconomic reforms, but with deliberate investment in the institutions that train future professionals, civil servants, and leaders. THE ANALYST reports.

In a major boost to the University of Liberia’s revitalization efforts, the National Port Authority (NPA) has launched a US$1 million fundraising campaign aimed at improving learning conditions across the University’s four campuses.

The funds will be used to procure 30,000 classroom armchairs, renovate multiple lecture halls, and rehabilitate restroom facilities—long identified as critical constraints to effective teaching and learning at the country’s premier public university.

The campaign, themed “Coming Together to Revitalize UL,” was officially launched on January 30, 2026, at the University’s Capitol Hill campus, drawing participation from university administrators, NPA leadership, APM Terminals Liberia representatives, students, faculty, and staff.

University of Liberia President Dr. Layli Maparyan described the revitalization effort as a collective national responsibility rather than a single-institution undertaking.

“The future of the University of Liberia cannot be secured by one institution, one sector, or even one generation alone,” Dr. Maparyan said. “It requires collective responsibility, shared commitment, and a united belief that investing in UL is ultimately investing in Liberia.”

She emphasized that the University’s rebirth must be inclusive, drawing support from public institutions, private enterprises, alumni, development partners, and the wider community.

NPA Managing Director Sekou A.M. Dukuly said the fundraising campaign aligns directly with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s national vision, particularly the Administration’s focus on education, skills development, and restoring dignity to public institutions.

“Education remains the most enduring investment any nation can make in its future,” Dukuly said. “The University of Liberia, as the nation’s premier institution of higher learning, has for decades carried the historic burden of producing the intellectual capital that sustains our public, private, and civic life.”

He stressed that the initiative is not charity, but a strategic national investment designed to strengthen Liberia’s long-term development prospects.

“This intervention is about restoring dignity to learning,” Dukuly said. “A functional and conducive environment is essential to producing confident graduates capable of driving economic recovery, institutional reform, and social transformation.”

The campaign received an early boost with a US$75,000 donation from APM Terminals Liberia, helping to jumpstart the fundraising effort.

Mr. Rachid Baho, Managing Director of APM Terminals Liberia and chief launcher of the campaign, said the initiative reflects the private sector’s responsibility to invest in people, especially young Liberians.

“Supporting education is one of the most meaningful ways the private sector can contribute to national progress,” Baho said. “What makes this initiative particularly encouraging is its emphasis on tangible local impact.”

Baho called on other Liberian corporations and business leaders to contribute, noting that strengthening UL ultimately benefits the entire economy.

By the close of the launch event, organizers reported that US$100,000 had already been raised. Contributions will continue beyond the kickoff through a designated Ecobank account, as well as Mobile Money, Orange Money, and Sendwave, until the US$1 million target is reached.

A distinctive feature of the project is the plan to source the classroom chairs locally through technical and vocational education and training (TVET) centers, a move organizers say will support skills development, local production, and job opportunities for young people while addressing immediate university needs.

Dr. Maparyan expressed appreciation to the NPA for its leadership and to APM Terminals Liberia for its generosity, assuring donors that all funds raised will be applied directly to improving teaching and learning conditions.

Proceeds, she said, will finance the purchase of classroom chairs, renovation of lecture halls to support modern instruction, and rehabilitation of restroom facilities to restore dignity, health, and comfort for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

“When you strengthen UL, you strengthen Liberia,” Dr. Maparyan said. “When you invest in education, you invest in stability.”

She reiterated the University’s vision of becoming a 21st-century institution—innovative, resilient, and inclusive—capable of producing not just graduates, but problem solvers, ethical leaders, and nation builders responsive to Liberia’s future needs.

“Your support will be felt immediately,” she said, “in classrooms where students learn with dignity, in facilities that inspire excellence, and in an institution that has shaped generations and will continue to do so for generations yet unborn.”