Nimba University places over 80 students on probation

One of Liberia’s several community universities across the country, Nimba University in Sanniquellie, the provincial capital, has placed more than 80 senior and freshmen students on probation, for failure to attain minimum 2 points GPA or above.

By Thomas Domah, Nimba County

Nimba County, Liberia, March 5, 2024 – Over eighty (80) students attending the Nimba County University in Nimba have been placed on probation for poor academic performance, according to administration.

The University administration took the decision following results of the 2023 semester when huge number of students were unable to obtain a Grade Point Average of 2.00 and above. Most of the students’ GPA was 1.00 points.

But some of the students have accused the administration and the teaching staff of demanding sex for grade while male students alleged that lecturers constantly ask for money.

This paper gathered that most of the affected students are seniors and freshmen.

The administration has refused to respond to the sex for grade allegation that is said to be on the increase at the institution, after our correspondent visited the University for comment. Instead, members of the administration referred The NEW DAWN to one office and another.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Samuel Duo, refused to respond to the allegation made against the administration but rather referred our correspondent to the Head of Admission, Mr. Lee Yarzule, who phone rank without any response.

However, speaking to reporter in his office, Assistance Professor Emmanuel A. Donseah, Dean for the College of Engineering and Geoscience at the Nimba County University, attributed the massive failure of students to very poor academic foundation.

Dr. Donseah notes that most of the students are from various private and public schools that lack quantify teachers to impact the lives of people being referred to as future leaders of Liberia.

According to him, administration has constituted a team to engage students with such problems, noting that most of the students at the University complained of lack of food in their respective homes.

Commenting on students’ involvement in social activities, he said administration doesn’t have control over any student going to night clubs or found involved in social activities.

Meanwhile, the Nimba University is currently experiencing financial challenges with report that over 80 million Liberian Dollars was allegedly withdrawn from the University account at the Central Bank of Liberia.

But the President for the University Dr. Jesse Noah Mongrue says he has no knowledge of such report.

Report says the University president signed several blank checks prior to traveling abroad in early 2023. Editing by Jonathan Browne