Capitol Hill, Monrovia: Varsity Pilot has gathered that President Joseph N. Boakai Sr., is highly considering sacking Commerce Inspector General, Dorr Cooper for attempting to fraudulently obtain an undergraduate degree from the University of Liberia.
In September 2024, Mr. Cooper was seen in the academic attires given to students of the 104th graduating class, for graduation. He claimed to have been in possession of a valid graduation clearance through the A. Romeo Horton College of Business and Public Administration of the University of Liberia.
But an investigative report from a specialized committee at the University of Liberia reveals that Mr. Cooper bribed his way through the institution’s enrollment and record systems and fraudulently obtained a student identification number belonging to a deceased student.
The report further revealed that he (Dorr Cooper) has never been a student of the institution.
The UL has since declared Mr. Cooper persona-non-grata. According to the Vice President for UL Relations, Cllr. Norris Tweah, Mr. Cooper has been barred from seeking future enrollment at the institution.
“He is barred, prohibited; he is persona-non-grata,” Liberia News Agency quoted Cllr. Tweah.
However, Mr. Cooper has taken exception to the UL’s decision. He told FrontPage Africa (FPA) that he was not given the opportunity to explain himself to the investigative panel.
He further told FPA that he is consulting with his lawyers to file a lawsuit against the University of Liberia for revoking his degree without official notice.
Meanwhile, the action of Mr. Cooper has reportedly angered President Boakai. Sources in the Executive Mansion told Varsity Pilot that the Liberian leader is highly likely to sack Mr. Cooper in the coming days.
The press office of the Executive Mansion has neither denied nor confirmed the possibility of President Boakai’s relieving Inspector General Cooper of his position for his dubious action.
Presidential Press Secretary, Kula Fofana told Executive Mansion reporters that the Liberian leader has been closely following the incident involving Mr. Cooper, and would take the necessary action.
“As soon as the University of Liberia team brief him (President Boakai), he will take the necessary action as deemed important by him,” Press Secretary Fofana added.
Dorr Cooper was appointed Commerce Inspector General in early 2024, having served his native Nimba County in key positions, including Superintendent, City Mayor, and Development Superintendent. He is among several sons of Nimba believed to be recommended for appointment by Vice President, Jeremiah Koung in the Unity Party led government.
