LIBERIA: University Lecturer Sounds His Question: ‘How Can A Generator Make More Money Than A PhD Holder?’
As Liberia closes its first year under the Boakai-Koung Administration, a prominent figure, Engr. Levi N. Paye, a lecturer at the University of Liberia and former representative candidate for Montserrado County District #1 has issued a passionate and stern statement, outlining the plight of critical sectors and offering recommendations to address the nation’s growing crises.
In a detailed write-up addressed to the Government of Liberia((GoL), Engr. Paye declared, “Things are not fine with the people in your first year.”
His statement highlights the worsening conditions of health workers, education at the University of Liberia, security personnel, and the glaring inequalities in government spending.
Mr. Paye warned that urgent action is needed to prevent further deterioration.
Mr. Paye emphasized that Liberia’s health system is teetering on the brink of collapse.
He called on the government to swiftly resolve disputes with the Liberia Medical and Dental Association (LMDA) to avoid a complete shutdown of health services.
“Our health system is already challenged, and strike action by those professional workers would be a disaster,” Mr. Paye further warned.
According to him, , most Liberians cannot afford to seek medical care outside the country. A shutdown would, therefore, disproportionately harm ordinary citizens.
“Ten days is enough to meet the demands of those professionals,” he urged, imploring the government to act immediately.
The University of Liberia remains closed since the end of the semester in September, with faculty members protesting inadequate salaries and poor working conditions.
Mr. Paye criticized the disparity in salaries between politicians and educators, asking, “How can a generator make more money than a PhD holder?”
He lamented the decline in Liberia’s education system, noting that demotivated professionals are unable to nurture the country’s future leaders.
“We can’t be allocating tens of thousands of dollars for lawmakers while gallant professionals with Masters and PhDs take home peanuts,” Mr. Paye stated.
Mr. Paye proposed increasing the university’s budget to $50 million to improve facilities, retain qualified faculty, and ensure the success of its new PhD Programs.
“This will attract more professionals with terminal degrees to teach and build Liberia’s human capital,” he argued.
Liberia’s security forces, including the police, military, and immigration officers, were another major concern highlighted by Mr. Paye.
He stated that these personnel work tirelessly to ensure national security but are poorly compensated and neglected.
“Those guys work themselves day and night to ensure a secure country. But in return, the country subjects them to street beggars,” he noted.
Mr. Paye described this as a “serious threat to the peace and survivability” of Liberia, warning that continued neglect of security personnel could undermine national stability.
He proposed increasing their salaries by 50% and providing additional welfare benefits to improve their livelihoods.
Mr. Paye’s statement also criticized the unequal distribution of government resources, pointing out that politicians and agency heads are excessively compensated while critical sectors suffer.
“Paying lawmakers, generators, and LTA commissioners far more than teachers, health workers, and security personnel is the beginning of a failed country,” he stated bluntly.
He called for immediate reforms to reduce the salaries of government officials earning over $5,000 monthly, capping them at $6,000 based on importance.
He also urged lawmakers to forgo extravagant budget allocations, including funds for purchasing cars every three years, suggesting a 25% reduction in their salaries and benefits.
Mr. Paye argued that growing discontent among citizens stems from inequitable spending and systemic neglect.
“Lots of people are complaining and dying slowly due to low salaries and poor welfare, while a few are taking tens of thousands,” he said, adding that this must be curtailed to restore public confidence.
To address the growing crisis, Mr. Paye outlined key recommendations: paying health workers according to their qualifications, resolving faculty disputes to reopen the University of Liberia, increasing the university’s budget, and improving salaries for teachers and security personnel.
He further called for regulating transportation fares, controlling fuel prices, and ensuring rice remains affordable.
Additionally, Mr. Paye urged the government to recover stolen assets from the previous regime through legal means and cut unnecessary spending on areas with minimal impact on the country’s development.
Highlighting the importance of food security, Paye issued a stern warning to the government, saying, “Make sure rice is available and sold at an affordable price. Don’t joke with our rice.”
He stressed that rice remains a staple food for Liberians, and failure to address its affordability could deepen the nation’s woes.
Mr. Paye also advocated for lowering fuel and transportation costs to ease the burden on ordinary citizens, whose livelihoods are already strained by economic hardship.
“These measures will provide immediate relief and start rebuilding the confidence of the people,” he noted.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts, Mr. Paye reminded leaders of their duty to prioritize the needs of Liberians.
“While we support the government, it’s our duty to tell them in the face that all is not well,” he declared.
Mr. Paye expressed optimism that the government could implement his recommendations to regain public trust and improve the country’s conditions.
“We believe you can achieve these things, and you will soon start gaining the confidence of the people again,” he concluded.
Mr. Paye’s statement comes at a critical moment for Liberia, as the government faces mounting pressure to address systemic challenges.
His recommendations offer a roadmap to restore fairness, equity, and stability, but whether the government will act remains to be seen.
For health workers, educators, and security personnel, his message reflects their lived realities and growing frustrations.
As the year draws to a close, the government’s response to these calls for action may determine Liberia’s trajectory in the coming year.
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