Monrovia, Liberia – The Board of Trustees of the University of Liberia has formally confirmed Izetta Jones Howe as the legitimate valedictorian (Dux) of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, following weeks of public controversy and allegations challenging her academic standing.
The decision follows an extensive internal investigation triggered by claims made by activist Martin K. N. Kollie, who alleged that Howe did not legitimately earn the top academic honor. The allegations, circulated widely on social media, questioned the integrity of the grading process and the authenticity of Howe’s academic records.
Findings of the Investigation
According to the Board’s investigative report, the dispute stemmed from procedural failures within the University’s academic system, rather than wrongdoing by the student.
The Committee found that:
• The Office of Enrollment Services (OES) and law school candidates failed to follow the officially approved Student Handbook.
• Grade-point average (GPA) calculations used initially were inaccurate, contributing to confusion.
• The Law School did not consistently use the university’s e-portal system, resulting in incomplete academic data and weak verification mechanisms.
Despite these administrative shortcomings, the Committee conducted a fresh review using the official handbook and verified academic records. The recalculation confirmed that Izetta Jones Howe achieved the highest academic standing, with a GPA of 3.6471, earning Magna Cum Laude honors.
The report concluded that she is the “authentic and undisputed Dux” of the Law School’s 2024/2025 graduating class.
University Leadership Backs Decision
Earlier, the President of the University of Liberia, Layli Maparyan, had also affirmed Howe’s status following a separate administrative review. She emphasized that the selection process followed institutional policy and clarified that the valedictorian is determined by the highest cumulative academic performance, independent of procedural misunderstandings.
The President noted that while concerns about transparency were valid, the evidence did not support claims of fraud or manipulation.
Origin of the Controversy
The controversy erupted after Kollie publicly challenged Howe’s recognition, alleging discrepancies in her grades, including claims about specific course results.
Howe strongly denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and calling for evidence to be presented. She maintained confidence in her academic record and criticized the public handling of the claims.
The dispute sparked national debate on academic integrity, transparency, and governance within Liberia’s premier public university.
Institutional Reforms Recommended
Beyond resolving the dispute, the Board’s report outlined major reforms aimed at preventing similar controversies:
• Strengthening data management capacity within OES
• Mandatory use of the academic e-portal across all schools
• Centralizing admission and record-keeping systems
• Standardizing grading frameworks and ensuring public access
• Assigning independent bodies to conduct entrance and placement exams
These measures are intended to restore public trust, enhance accountability, and ensure fairness in academic processes.
Broader Implications
The case highlights systemic governance challenges in higher education institutions, particularly in record management and procedural compliance. Analysts say the outcome reinforces the importance of institutional credibility and transparent academic systems, especially in contexts where public trust can be easily undermined.
For now, the University of Liberia has moved to close the matter, with the Board’s findings reinforcing earlier administrative conclusions:
Izetta Jones Howe remains the duly recognized Dux of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law.
The Truth Is Our Guide