“Restore Funding to PYJ University” -Senator Kogar Lobbies Senate

By: Anthony Q. Jiffan, Jr

MONROVIA – Senator Samuel G. Kogar of Nimba County has called for the restoration of budgetary support for the PYJ University, stressing the institution’s crucial contribution and relevance to meeting the manpower needs of Nimba County just as he maintained that it will be a visible move to sustain the legacy of the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson, who was widely regarded as the “Godfather of Nimba” and championed the university as one of his key “pet projects.”

Speaking to the press following his communication to the Liberian Senate, Sen. Kogar explained that PYJ University has remained closed due to the cancellation of its subsidy after the demise of the former lawmaker on November 28, 2024. No funding was allocated to the school in the 2025 national budget, leaving the university without operational support.

“As we deliberate on the 2026 budget, I have appealed to my colleagues to ensure that the legacy of the institution is preserved,” Kogar said, noting that the university serves a large student population, particularly in Ganta, Nimba’s bustling commercial center.

Kogar’s communication, which received the Senate’s endorsement and has been forwarded to the Committees on Ways, Means, and Finance, seeks to reinstate a US$150,000 subsidy previously allotted to the school. While acknowledging that the amount is modest, he argued it represents a necessary starting point.

“Every count begins at zero. This amount was previously in the budget; our request is that it be restored,” he said, adding that future increases could be explored once the institution stabilizes.

The senator also addressed growing calls for the government to fully assume responsibility for the university. He cited examples such as Phebe Hospital and Tubman University both of which transitioned from private operations to government-supported institutions as precedents for possible long-term solutions.

“While PYJ University is privately owned, it plays a critical role in addressing the educational needs of our youth. We do not want Senator Johnson’s vision to die,” he stressed.

Kogar issued a message of encouragement to students and faculty, urging patience as lawmakers work through the budget process. He assured them that efforts are underway to restore teaching and learning activities as soon as the new budget is approved.

“Delay is not denial,” he said. “We are confident that once the budget is passed, the next academic year will resume.”

As for the possibility of the government fully absorbing the university into the University of

Liberia system or creating a sub-college, Kogar said that such a decision would require negotiations between the Johnson family and national authorities. For now, he emphasized, the focus remains on reopening the institution and preventing further deterioration.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that this school, which contributes significantly to human resource development in Nimba, does not fall into ruin,” he added.