MONTROVIA – President Joseph Boachey faces pressure to dismiss Commerce Department inspector D. Dorr Cooper in the wake of a bribery and academic fraud scandal at the University of Liberia (UL).
The updated call was involved in a wide range of academic fraud investigations following the announcement by UL President Dr. Rayli Maparian that the eight employees were immediately fired.
The drastic action comes after a four-month investigation led by a special committee to investigate academic fraud. The committee has revealed what it described as an “adjusting act of academic fraud” involving staff from the Ministry of Administration (PADM), the Bureau of Registered Services (OES), and the Bureau of Information Technology (OIT).
“Academic fraud is the antithesis of academic integrity and the enemy of academic excellence,” says Dr. Maparyan. “In my watch, the University of Liberia is restored to academic integrity and academic excellence.”
In addition to eight layoffs, one employee was suspended until the end of 2025, while the other two were cleared due to insufficient evidence. The official summary of the survey did not disclose detailed findings on Cooper’s specific role, but public protests have been strengthened amid demands for transparency and accountability.
In response, Dr. Maparyan outlined a series of structural reforms aimed at strengthening the integrity of the system and preventing future fraud.
Sign up for the AllAfrica newsletter for free
Get the latest African news
success!
Almost finished…
You need to check your email address.
Follow the instructions in the email you sent to complete the process.
error!
There was a problem processing the submission. Please try again later.
Establishment of a permanent watchdog: The temporary investigative committee will become a standing committee to investigate academic fraud (CIAF). Whistleblower Platform Launch: UL Whistleblower Platform (ULWP) allows students, staff, alumni and others to secretly report alleged fraud. Complete Overhaul of the Registration Services Office (OES): OES, cited as a key area of concern, undergoes significant structural changes. Stronger Policy and Education Campaign: A university-wide revision policy on academic fraud will be introduced along with a recognition effort aimed at all stakeholders.
“These measures will prioritize academic integrity and destroy academic fraud,” declared Dr. Maparyan, showing a zero-tolerance attitude.
The rapid response of UL leadership has attracted praise from some civil society actors and advocates for education reform, while others have closely monitored how far and sustainable reform has reached its reach in a system that has long been plagued by corruption and weak surveillance.
Dr. Maparyan ended her statement with a harsh warning: “People who commit academic fraud or engage in academic misconduct at the University of Liberia are accountable. Disclaimer is not an option.”
Dismissals and accompanying reforms represent one of the most important anti-corruption actions in the university’s recent history.
As public concerns about the scandal continue to grow, President Boaches are putting pressure on him to act decisively. This is caught up in the firing of Commerce Inspector General Daw Cooper.
