James T. Brooks
Monrovia – The President of the University of Liberia, Dr. Layli Maparyan, has formally declared Ms. Izetta Jones Howe the legitimate Valedictorian (Dux) of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law. This announcement follows an internal investigation sparked by public allegations from the Campaigners for Academic Crimes Court (CACC) questioning Howe’s academic standing.
In a detailed letter dated February 23, 2026, addressed to Mr. Martin K. N. Kollie, Lead Campaigner of the CACC, Dr. Maparyan outlined the university’s rigorous policies governing the selection of valedictorians. The President dismissed claims that the honor was improperly conferred, concluding a dispute that has stirred intense debate over transparency and academic integrity in higher education.
According to Dr. Maparyan, the university had already begun reviewing the matter after receiving an anonymous letter raising similar concerns days before Mr. Kollie formally submitted documentation on February 21. Following a comprehensive consultation with key administrators—including the Dean of the Law School, the Registrar, and the Vice Presidents for Academic and Legal Affairs—the UL President confirmed that Ms. Howe was selected in full accordance with current university policy.
Dr. Maparyan stated that she personally reviewed Ms. Howe’s academic records alongside those of other top-performing students to assess comparative standing. Her final conclusion remains firm: Ms. Izetta Jones Howe is the legitimate Law School Valedictorian of the 105th graduating class.
Central to the controversy is the interpretation of the University’s Student Handbook and the procedural steps for determining a “Dux.” Dr. Maparyan clarified that valedictorians at UL are selected through a formal hierarchy: the Registrar makes recommendations under the authorization of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, which are then presented to the Faculty Senate for a final vote.
The President also devoted significant attention to clarifying academic distinctions that may have been misunderstood during the public debate. While the terms “Valedictorian” and “Dux” do not appear in the 2018 Student Handbook, the document details specific honors such as the Honor Roll, Special Distinction, and Special Honors.
Dr. Maparyan explained that “Special Honors” are conferred solely based on cumulative GPA at the end of a student’s career, categorized as Cum Laude (3.250–3.499), Magna Cum Laude (3.500–3.749), and Summa Cum Laude (3.750–4.000). She noted that while a student may repeat up to two courses and still qualify for these honors, the title of Valedictorian is awarded to the student with the highest academic achievements in a given cohort.
Crucially, the President pointed out that it is theoretically possible for a student to be named Valedictorian without earning “Special Honors” if they hold the highest GPA in their specific class, as the two statuses are not procedurally identical.
While acknowledging the importance of academic integrity, Dr. Maparyan expressed deep concern regarding the manner in which the allegations were publicized. She questioned how external activists obtained student records, noting that such disclosures can cause undue anxiety for students and their families while potentially harming the university’s reputation.
The President urged activists to pursue accountability in ways that are “dignified, law-abiding, and kind,” referencing a previous instance in 2025 where her own credentials were publicly questioned based on outdated information. She reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening the legitimacy of UL’s faculty and administration within the scope of her authority.
Despite the President’s formal communication, Martin Kollie maintains that evidence in his possession suggests Ms. Howe did not meet the requirements. Specifically, Kollie alleges that grade records from Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe’s Human Rights class show Ms. Howe obtained an “A+” (98), while he claims no student in that class earned such a grade.
However, Cllr. Gongloe has since joined others in publicly commending Ms. Howe for her outstanding academic performance. This endorsement from the professor of the course in question significantly challenges the CACC’s quest for a reversal of the university’s decision. For now, the University of Liberia maintains that Ms. Izetta Jones Howe remains the duly recognized Dux of the 105th graduating class of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law.
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