University of Liberia Confirms Izetta Howe legitimate Valedictorian of Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law 105 Graduating Class
February 24, 2026
Monrovia: The University of Liberia President Dr. 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 concerns raised by activist Martin K. N. Kollie.
In a formal written response dated Feb. 23, 2026 Maparyan said the university began investigating the matter after receiving both an anonymous complaint and documentation from Kollie questioning Howe’s Dux status.
After consulting with senior academic and legal administrators and reviewing academic records, the president concluded that Howe’s selection was consistent with university policy 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 and Once voted upon by the Faculty Senate, the selections are considered official.
The university noted that while the Student Handbook outlines criteria for academic honors such as cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude, it does not specifically define the process for selecting a valedictorian or Dux, leaving the administration some discretion.
The statement noted that the review included an examination of Howe’s academic records and a comparison with the records of other top-performing law students.
The university stated that special honors are awarded based solely on cumulative grade-point average and that students may still qualify even if they have repeated up to two courses, provided their GPA meets the required threshold.
The administration determined that Howe had the highest academic standing in her class under existing guidelines.
Maparyan also expressed concern about the public nature of the allegations, noting the potential reputational impact on both the student and the institution.
Activist Martin K. N. Kollie has since challenged the University that Ms. Izetta Jones Howe is not qualified to be the Dux and as well the valedictorian of the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law’s 105th graduating class because she didn’t meet the criterial.
“Students who’ve worked very hard must not be deprived or dispossessed of academic feats or laurels that they’ve truly earned. ‘Dux-ship’ is earned and not favored or imposed. The truth will always win no matter how long it takes. Academic rigors and scrutiny should apply to everyone and at all times. This is not about whether someone is a woman or a man. Dozens of graduating students through a formal complaint to the University of Liberia have accused Ms. Izetta Jones-Howe of claiming a “Dux” title that she did not earn and does not deserve”.
