Friday, May 24, 2013 09:40 
AME University Closed
Story by
Photo Credit:
The administration of African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU) has ordered the university closed until further notification. According to a statement released in Monrovia and signed by the President of the University Dr. Jean Bell Manning, the Board of Trustees of the University at a special emergency meeting held on June 11, 2012 resolved to close the university.
Giving reason for the closure of the university, the Board said violent disturbance by certain students of the AMEU on Monday June 11, 2012, and threats made to lives and properties, including threats of violence sent through text messages are among reasons for the closure.
The AMEU Board of Trustees also noted that due to threatening communication sent by the student leadership to the University Authority it is prudent to close the University and suspend all classes with immediate effect.
The Board said the action to close the university down is necessary in order to protect lives and properties.
The AMEU Board said a communication has been forwarded to the President of Liberia, the Chairman of the Cabinet, the Minister of Justice, Chairperson of the Joint Security, the Minister of Education, the Director of Police of the threats made upon the university and the action being taken by the Board of Trustees.
The AMEU Board said the university will remain closed and its activities suspended until further notification as determined by the Board.
Recently, students of the University set road blocks on Camp Johnson Road in Monrovia in protest for increment of fees being charged at the institution.
The students at the time said they were paying USD$.8.00 per credit but the administration later increased it to USD$11.00, and now they have added USD$4.00 amounting to USD$.15.00, something which they said is unacceptable when almost 90% of the students are self supported.
The students also said tuition was increased from USD$11.00 to USD$.15.00, ID cards and activities fees which were charged USD$.2.00 each, were increased to USD$5.00 respectively, and Health fees was increased from USD$5.00 to USD$7.00.
