By Jamesetta D Williams
Monrovia – The University of Liberia Faculty Association (ULFA) has inducted a new corps of officers to lead the association for the next two years, marking the end of Dr. Edna Johnny’s more than four-year leadership tenure from 2021 to 2026.
The colorful induction ceremony, held at the Auditorium of the University of Liberia Capitol Hill Campus on Friday, May 8, brought together government officials, diplomats, faculty members, administrators, students, staff, family members, and well-wishers.
Assistant Professor Alahaji S.M. Dukuly was officially inducted as the new president of ULFA, succeeding Dr. Johnny. Prior to his election, Dukuly served as Vice President for International Affairs under the outgoing administration, where he reportedly strengthened partnerships and expanded opportunities for international collaboration for the association.
Dukuly is also a longtime member of the University of Liberia faculty, whose academic journey progressed from teaching assistant to instructor in the Department of Accounting.
He later served as Chairman of the Department of Accounting at the A. Romeo Horton College of Business and Public Administration before rising to the rank of Assistant Professor of Accountancy.
Other officials inducted alongside Dukuly included Mr. J. Boima Kiazolu as Vice President for Administration, Mr. B. Orando Yanquoi as Vice President for International Affairs, Mr. Eric Patten as Secretary General, Mr. Smith Peters as Assistant Secretary General, Ms. Geetah S. Saydee as Treasurer, and Rev. Sammah O. Barrolle-Forkeyoh as Chaplain.
Delivering his induction address, Dukuly promised to lay the foundation for what he described as a modern and responsive ULFA within the first 100 days of his administration.
“We all desire the same thing: a University of Liberia that commands respect across Africa and beyond,” Dukuly stated. “A university known for academic excellence, innovation, and integrity.”
He disclosed plans to launch a “Digital ULFA Platform” aimed at improving communication, transparency, and accessibility among faculty members.
He also pledged to develop a modern website to enhance the association’s image and strengthen engagement within the wider university community.
The newly inducted ULFA president further announced plans to establish a faculty Health and Wellness Program, noting that many faculty members continue to battle stress, burnout, and exhaustion in silence.
On the relationship between ULFA and the University Administration, Dukuly emphasized that the faculty association should not be viewed as an adversary, but rather a partner working toward the development of a stronger university.
Serving as keynote speaker at the ceremony, the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, congratulated the new leadership and described their election as both a recognition of competence and a call to responsibility, service, courage, and vision.
Speaking on the theme, “From Militancy to Mentorship: The Faculty Association as a Vehicle of Change, Critical Thinking and Research at the University of Liberia,” Dr. Yarkpawolo urged ULFA not to focus solely on salary negotiations and welfare issues.
“Faculty welfare matters, but welfare is only one side of the measure. The other side is transformation,” he said.
He also stressed that while students have the right to speak out, protests should be guided by evidence, ethics, and constructive engagement rather than violence.
Representing the President of the University of Liberia, Dr. Layli Maparyan, Dr. Agnes Reeves Taylor delivered a special message assuring the new ULFA leadership of the administration’s willingness to work collaboratively in the interest of the university.
“The administration looks forward to engaging with you in a spirit of partnership, transparency, and progress for the greater good of the university,” the message stated.
Dr. Reeves-Taylor praised the cordial relationship enjoyed between the university administration and the outgoing ULFA leadership under Dr. Edna Johnny and expressed hope for continued cooperation under the Dukuly administration.
“We work towards one university, and it is important that we all, even when we disagree, focus on uplifting the University of Liberia and educating the future generation,” she added.
In her farewell remarks, outgoing ULFA President Dr. Edna Johnny described her years of service as a privilege and pledged her full support to the new leadership while calling for unity among faculty members.
Dukuly holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Liberia and later earned a Master of Science degree in Research Accounting from Tilburg University.
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