Graduate students at the University of Liberia (UL) have expressed strong disapproval over the USD480 graduation fee set by the university administration, citing the harsh economic situation facing many in the society.
According to the class leadership, the USD480 fee includes a USD50 class project fee, a USD20 class night fee, a USD20 beach party fee, and a USD10 sports day fee. The students argue that these additional fees were not decided by the majority of the students.
The graduate students had been expecting a general meeting to discuss and vote on these class-related activities and fees, but to their surprise, the class leadership instead brought in Mr. Samuel Argnasson, whom they identified as the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate activities.
Argnasson informed the students that the USD480 graduation fee was set by the university administration and not the class leadership, emphasizing that the decision was final and the students could do nothing about it.
This announcement angered many of the students, who started walking out of the meeting, accusing the university of imposing things on them and stealing from them.
One of the prospective graduates, Paul Yeenie Harry, who is a lawyer, told his colleagues that the information provided by the dean was misleading, as it is not how the university typically operates. Harry said he would file a formal complaint against Argnasson for bringing the university administration’s name into public disrepute.
When contacted, Argnasson refused to comment, referring the Oracle News Daily to the university administration.
The graduate students remain adamant that they want to have a say in the costs associated with the class project, class night, beach party, and sports day, as they were not decided by the majority of the class.
