Monrovia, Liberia – The President of the University of Liberia, Layli Maparyan, has affirmed that Ms. Izetta Jones Howe is the legitimate valedictorian of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law’s 105th graduating class, following an internal review prompted by allegations raised by activist Martin K. N. Kollie.
In a formal written response dated February 23, Maparyan disclosed that the university launched an investigation after receiving both an anonymous complaint and documentation from Kollie questioning Howe’s status as Dux—the honor awarded to the student with the highest academic standing.
After consulting with senior academic and legal administrators and reviewing relevant academic records, the university president concluded that Howe’s selection was consistent with established university policies and procedures.
According to the administration, valedictorians are determined by the Faculty Senate based on recommendations submitted by the registrar under the authorization of the vice president for academic affairs. Once voted upon by the Faculty Senate, the selections are deemed official.
Law School Dux Denounces Fraud Allegations
Howe, recently announced as Dux of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, has vehemently denied allegations of fraud leveled against her by exiled Liberian activist Martin Kollie.
Speaking in an interview with WomenVoices on Sunday, Howe challenged Kollie to publicly present evidence to substantiate his claims, stressing that she remains confident in her academic record.
She said she is more than proud of her achievement and stands ready to defend her integrity.
Social Media Allegations
Over the weekend, Kollie took to his official Facebook page to contest the law school’s announcement naming Howe as Dux. In a strongly worded post, he claimed that a leaked dossier of documents suggested alleged fraud, asserting that Howe’s elevation to the top of her class was illegitimate.
He wrote that the student announced as Dux of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law should not hold the title and claimed documents had surfaced pointing to alleged wrongdoing. He further stated that the University of Liberia had until Monday to break its silence on the matter.
Kollie is the founder of the Campaigners for Academic Crimes Court, a group known for scrutinizing academic credentials and professional achievements in Liberia.
Howe Calls for Evidence
Responding publicly for the first time, Howe said she remains unshaken by the accusations and is prepared to clear her name.
“They should wait for the evidence on Monday,” she said, emphasizing that she can confidently state there is nothing to support the allegation. According to her, the claim was made without due diligence, and she is awaiting any evidence before addressing the matter further.
She expressed disappointment that Kollie chose to go public before contacting her directly, adding that he should have first reached out to ascertain the accuracy of the information. She described the move as a breach of collegial respect and proper investigative procedure.
Campus Politics and Gender Bias
Howe traced the origin of the controversy to a campus-based student group known as the Noble Second Floor. According to her, members of the group believed they were entitled to lead the class and reacted negatively to her emergence as the top student.
She suggested that her dual role as class president and academic leader unsettled critics who doubted her ability to balance leadership responsibilities with academic excellence.
Howe also hinted at what she perceives as gender bias, noting that women in Liberia are often not expected to excel—particularly those who maintain a low profile on social media.
“I do not engage in social media,” she said, explaining that she prefers to focus quietly on personal development and academic advancement.
A Decorated Academic Journey
Before enrolling at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, Howe had already established a strong academic record.
She earned a Master’s degree in Project Management with Distinction from Coventry University in the United Kingdom during the 2019–2020 academic year, placing among the top students in her class.
Earlier, she graduated Cum Laude from Cuttington University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Management and a Bachelor of Science in Economics. She has also obtained several professional certificates from institutions in England, the United States, and Liberia.
Currently, she serves as President of the Law Students Association at the law school. Beyond campus, she became the first female President of the Federation of African Law Students, a continental body representing law students across Africa. Her leadership record dates back to 2011, when she simultaneously served as President of her graduating class and President of the Cuttington University Students Union.
