Monrovia, Liberia – August 12, 2025: A growing crisis is unfolding at the Liberia Institute of Public Administration (LIPA), where over 100 adjunct facilitators have gone nine months without pay. Despite delivering high-quality training programs, these educators are facing financial hardship, accumulating to debts, and struggling to feed their families.

The facilitators describe the situation as “a national disgrace and violation of basic human dignity,” accusing Director General Nee A. Virplah of failing to provide a concrete explanation or payment plan. They question LIPA’s credibility, highlighting the irony of teaching good governance while neglecting its own workers’ welfare.

The Facilitators’ Plight

The adjunct facilitators, who are responsible for training Liberia’s public servants, are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet. According to one of the heads of the aggrieved adjunct facilitators, Jefferson k. Dolo, many of them have taken on debt to survive, while others are struggling to provide for their families. The situation is taking a toll on their mental and physical health, with some facilitators even questioning their decision to work at LIPA.

“We’re not just fighting for our salaries; we’re fighting for respect and accountability. “How can we teach good governance when we’re treated with disdain?” One facilitator said. The facilitators are urging the government, civil society, and legislature to act swiftly to resolve the crisis and ensure payment for their work.

Demands for Action

The facilitators are demanding:

• Immediate Intervention: The Government of Liberia must settle outstanding arrears
• Accountability: Civil Society Organizations must join in demanding accountability from LIPA
• Legislative Inquiry: The Legislature must launch an investigation into LIPA’s financial management

They are threatening to stop all training services if their demands are not met, which could disrupt essential programs. A public campaign, #PayLIPAStaffNow, has been launched to advocate for respect and accountability.

The Consequences of Inaction

If the government fails to act, the group said it consequences will be far-reaching. The halt in training services will disrupt critical capacity-building programs, undermining the development of Liberia’s public sector. The crisis will also tarnish LIPA’s reputation, making it harder for the institution to attract and retain top talent.

A Call to Action

The LIPA facilitators are calling on the government, civil society, and legislature to act swiftly to resolve the crisis. They urge the authorities to prioritize their welfare and ensure that they are paid for their work. The facilitators remain determined to demand justice and accountability, and it remains to be seen how the government will respond to their pleas.

LIPA facilitators say they remain determined to voice their demands for respect and accountability amid an ongoing crisis. The key issue now is whether the government will respond to their calls for action or allow the situation to worsen. Time will reveal tell.