Gbarnga, Bong County –Residents of Bong County are voicing growing concerns over the qualifications of two senior administrators following the institution’s elevation to university status.
By Selma Lomax, selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com
While residents across the county have widely praised the decision by President Joseph Boakai to sign into law the act granting the college full university status, many say the milestone achievement is being overshadowed by serious questions regarding the credentials of key members of the administration.
The institution’s Comptroller, Molley Tokpah, who reportedly holds a BSc in Management, is said to be facing scrutiny over whether his academic background and professional capacity meet the standards expected at a university.
Several sources within the institution allege that Tokpah has been struggling to effectively manage the responsibilities of the finance office since assuming the role.
According to reports gathered from staff and students, much of the work within the finance department is said to be repeatedly handled by Jackson Yarkpai, the Senior Accountant.
One incident frequently cited by insiders is the recent budget defense at the House of Representatives, where Yarkpai reportedly represented the accounts department. Sources claim the decision for Yarkpai to lead the presentation was due to what some described as Tokpah’s “ineptitude,” an allegation that has fueled further public debate about the Comptroller’s suitability for the position.
James Saybay, the Vice President for Administration, is another senior official whose credentials have come under public scrutiny. Saybay holds a BSc in Theology, but residents are questioning whether he possesses the Master’s degree that many believe is a prerequisite for such a senior administrative role within a university setting.
Community members also allege that Saybay, who was reportedly recommended by a politician, has contributed to internal tension by dismissing individuals based on perceived political affiliation, a claim that some say has negatively affected the institution’s image.
Students and residents who spoke to this paper emphasized that their concerns are not intended to undermine the university’s new status but rather to safeguard its integrity and future.
“We are grateful to President Boakai for elevating our college to a university, but leadership at the top must meet university standards,” said a senior student in Gbarnga.
“If the Comptroller is struggling and the Senior Accountant is doing most of the technical work, then it raises serious questions about accountability,” said another student from the business department.
“This is not about witch-hunting anyone, it is about protecting the integrity and credibility of our new university,” remarked a local educator in Bong County.
“A university must be managed by individuals who have the required academic and professional qualifications, especially at the level of Vice President for Administration,” stated a civil society advocate in Gbarnga.
“We cannot celebrate university status on one hand and ignore administrative lapses on the other,” said a community youth leader.
“Our children deserve quality education backed by competent leadership, and that begins with verifying the credentials of those in charge,” a concerned parent added.
Beyond calls directed at the university’s leadership, several residents are urging the National Commission on Higher Education to immediately conduct a comprehensive credentials audit.
“The National Commission on Higher Education must step in and audit the credentials of the entire administration to restore public confidence,” said a resident of Gbarnga.
“We are calling on the Commission to conduct a full credentials audit at the Bong County Union to ensure the university produces the required results under its new status,” another resident urged.
“If this institution is now a university, then it must be subjected to the highest standards of transparency and scrutiny,” said a local business owner.
“The Commission must ensure that every senior official meets the academic and professional benchmarks required to run a university effectively,” a retired teacher emphasized.
Despite the mounting concerns, residents maintain that they fully support the government’s decision to elevate the institution. Many described the move as historic for Bong County and a step toward expanding access to higher education. However, they insist that university status comes with greater responsibility, stricter standards, and heightened public accountability.
Efforts to contact Molley Tokpah and James Saybay for comments were unsuccessful, as both officials could not be reached up to the time of publication.
