President Boakai’s Handling of Dorr Cooper’s Academic Fraud Case Questioned

President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s administration faces mounting pressure to dismiss Dorr Cooper, Inspector General of Commerce, over his involvement in an academic fraud scandal at the University of Liberia. Despite the university’s investigation concluding that Cooper fraudulently obtained his degree by impersonating a deceased student and bribing university staff with $10,000, Cooper remains in his position.

The University of Liberia took decisive action against academic fraud, dismissing eight employees and suspending one. The dismissed employees were: Arthur B. Sharpe, Chairman, Public Administration Department, Thurston Lewis, Instructor & Clearing Officer, Department of Public Administration, Goffa K. Suah, Coordinator & Teaching Assistant, Dean’s Representative on the Clearing Team, Public Administration Department, W. Remsee Deranamie, Deputy Registrar, Office of Enrollment Services (OES), Lawrence Seitua, Assistant Dean of Admission, OES, Shadrach K. H. Pah, Assistant Dean of Records & Registration, OES, Foday Jaleiba, Office Assistant to the Dean of Records, OES, and Jonathan Kangar, Support Specialist, Office of Information Technology (OIT).

University President Dr. Layli Maparyan emphasized that academic integrity is crucial and pledged a zero-tolerance policy for academic misconduct. Measures to prevent future incidents include establishing a standing committee to investigate academic fraud, a whistle-blower platform, overhauling the Office of Enrollment Services, and strengthening policies related to academic misconduct ³.

Civil society organizations and activists are intensifying pressure on President Boakai to take action against Cooper, criticizing the government’s slow response. Anderson Miamen, a leading advocate, reminded the President that the university concluded its investigation in October 2024 and found Cooper guilty of academic fraud.

Reactions to President Boakai’s Inaction:
Unity Party stalwart George Lobbo defended the President’s silence, saying governance shouldn’t be driven by media pressure or public outrage. Lobbo emphasized that President Boakai is committed to transparency and accountability but will address the matter in his own time. Critics argue that the President’s inaction contradicts his pledge to uphold good governance and accountability. They point to the swift suspension of senior officials at the National Insurance Company of Liberia over financial impropriety allegations as inconsistent with the handling of Cooper’s case.

The case continues to fuel debate over integrity in public service and the government’s commitment to combating corruption. While some speculate that President Boakai might dismiss Cooper, the President’s office has neither denied nor confirmed any potential action.