MONROVIA, Liberia — The Monrovia Consolidated School System Students’ Union (MCSS-SU) has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Liberian government, demanding an end to the teachers’ strike, the removal of an assistant superintendent, and increased funding for public schools.
The ultimatum was announced Monday by union President Sekou V. Siryon during a press conference at William V. S. Tubman High School in Sinkor, as the ongoing labor dispute continues to disrupt academic activities across the MCSS.
The students’ union is demanding that the government implement a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the MCSS on March 27, 2026, which it says is essential to resolving the dispute and returning teachers to their classrooms.
The strike, involving the MCSS Teachers Association (MCSSTA), reportedly stems from unresolved issues, including unpaid salaries, the placement of volunteer teachers on the government payroll, and poor working conditions.
The union warned that continued classroom disruptions were depriving thousands of students of instructional time and threatening their academic progress.
Union Demands Removal of Assistant Superintendent
Beyond the teachers’ strike, the MCSS-SU is calling for the immediate dismissal of Assistant Superintendent Emmanuel Kyne Robertson, accusing him of contributing to tensions within the school system.
The union alleged that Robertson had incited students, disrupted classes, and threatened students amid disagreements with school administrators. It also claimed to have evidence concerning an incident in which individuals were allegedly sent to attack its president.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and Robertson’s response was not included in the statement provided.
The students’ leadership also accused some MCSS administrators of involving students in internal disputes and political activities, arguing that such actions distract from the schools’ primary responsibility of providing quality education.
Students Call for Increased School Funding
The union is further urging the government to increase the MCSS budget to finance school renovations, improve facilities, and provide safer learning environments.
It acknowledged ongoing renovation work at Boatswain Junior and Senior High School, G.W. Gibson Senior High School, and Matilda Newport Junior High School but said additional investment was necessary to address deteriorating infrastructure and inadequate facilities across the school system.
The union stressed that resolving the labor dispute and improving school conditions must be priorities for education authorities.
Ultimatum Expires Tuesday
The 24-hour ultimatum took effect at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 19, and is scheduled to expire at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
The union warned that failure by the government to take concrete steps toward addressing its demands would prompt consultations with its leadership and the student body to determine the next course of action.
However, the MCSS-SU said it remained committed to peaceful engagement and would exhaust available dialogue channels before considering further measures.
The union’s demands include implementation of the March 27 MOU, the return of teachers to classrooms, the removal of Robertson over the allegations, stronger protection for students, and increased government funding for the MCSS.
The ultimatum places additional pressure on government and education officials to resolve the dispute as students and parents await the restoration of regular classes.
