By Jamesetta D Williams
Monrovia-In a sweeping transfer aimed toward cleansing up the nation’s greater training sector, the Authorities of Liberia, by means of the Nationwide Fee on Larger Training (NCHE), has formally shut down 31 tertiary establishments and suspended operations of twenty-two others for allegedly working illegally.
Among the many affected establishments are Gonet Academy–Liberia and the Skilled Journalism Faculty of Liberia, each of that are accused of working with out correct accreditation and approval from the NCHE.
These actions are a part of the federal government’s intensified efforts to uphold requirements and restore integrity inside Liberia’s academic system.
In accordance with authorities on the NCHE, the choice follows months of rigorous inspections and assessments throughout the nation. The establishments flagged had been discovered to be in critical violation of educational, administrative, and authorized benchmarks required for respectable operation.
“These colleges have failed to satisfy the fundamental necessities needed to supply tertiary training in Liberia,” an NCHE official said. “We’re sending a robust message that the times of unauthorized, substandard establishments deceiving the general public are over.”
The crackdown can be aligned with President Joseph NyumaBoakai’s ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes training reform and high quality assurance.
Dad and mom and college students are being urged to confirm the accreditation standing of establishments with the NCHE earlier than enrolling to keep away from setbacks of their educational pursuits. The Fee has pledged to launch a full listing of the affected establishments and supply steering to college students affected by the closures and suspensions.
NCHE Uncovers Widespread Irregularities Throughout Liberian Universities and Schools—Dozens Suspended or Ordered Closed
In a daring transfer to reform Liberia’s greater training system, the Nationwide Fee on Larger Training (NCHE) has launched findings from a nationwide high quality assurance and compliance evaluation that exposes main institutional failures throughout dozens of universities and schools.
Talking on the Ministry of Info, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), the Director-Normal of NCHE, Dr. Edward Lama Wonkeryor, disclosed that a number of establishments had been discovered to be working below deplorable educational and administrative situations, with some even working illegally with out licenses.
“The vast majority of establishments assessed are working below extraordinarily challenged situations, with widespread points together with unqualified workers, poor infrastructure, and violations of regulatory requirements,” Dr. Wonkeryor stated.
The NCHE-led inspection, launched in November 2024, aimed to look at institutional governance, curriculum requirements, college {qualifications}, infrastructure, scholar help companies, analysis engagement, and monetary administration throughout Liberia’s greater training panorama. The train concerned NCHE’s senior administration and exterior consultants.
In accordance with Dr. Wonkeryor, the trouble aligns with the ARREST Agenda of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration, which prioritizes reform, transparency, and system-wide accountability.
Primarily based on the evaluation, establishments had been categorized into 4 teams. Class A embody, accredited and chartered Establishments with minor challenges (32 Establishments).
In accordance with NCHE, these are acknowledged establishments that stay operational however have been directed to deal with particular shortcomings inside a given timeframe.
Others embody, the College of Liberia, Cuttington College, African Bible Faculty, Stella Maris Polytechnic College, and Bomi County Group Faculty.
Class B embody, licensed and accredited Establishments with major challenges (25 Establishments). These establishments face extreme operational or compliance points akin to lack of laboratories, certified college, or correct governance. They’re granted onemonth to one yr to resolve these issues or threat suspension.
Others are, BlueCrest College Faculty, George Johnson College Faculty, United Methodist College, Wilberforce Baptist College and Forestry Coaching Institute.
Class C embody institutions with Suspended Licenses (22 Establishments). In accordance with NCHE, these colleges have been suspended with rapid impact as a consequence of egregious violations or failure to satisfy fundamental operational requirements.
These establishments embody, Gloria Pleasure Faculty of Science and Expertise, Liberia Christian Faculty, Messiah College Faculty, Cypress Worldwide College and Evangel Christian College Faculty.
Dr. Wonkeryor warned that any establishment discovered working whereas below suspension will face prosecution, together with arrests of directors and fines.
Class D additionally embody illegal institutions ordered closed (21 institutions identified so far). A stunning variety of unlicensed, unlawful establishments had been additionally found. Many had been discovered providing levels particularly in well being sciences with out correct accreditation or services.
These establishment embody, Merchu Institute of Well being and Laboratory Sciences (72nd Junction), Christ Faculty System (Pipeline Highway), Open Bible Faculty, Faculty of Skilled Research (Jacob City), and Royal Institute for Secretarial Science.
“These colleges should not solely violating nationwide legal guidelines, however they’re placing college students’ futures in danger,” Dr. Wonkeryor said. He added that inspections will proceed, particularly in underserved counties, and extra closures are anticipated within the coming weeks.
In the meantime, the Fee has begun a separate evaluate of graduate-level packages, together with these on the College of Liberia. Dr. Wonkeryor emphasised that graduate educating workers should maintain terminal levels (e.g., PhDs), and any packages failing to satisfy this criterion will likely be halted.
In consequence, Trinity College’s graduate program has been suspended instantly, though its undergraduate packages are allowed to proceed below supervision.
Dr. Wonkeryor used the chance to name for enhanced institutional help, revealing that NCHE itself is overwhelmed and in want of no less than 5 to 6 PhD-level workers throughout disciplines to satisfy its rising mandate.
“We’re dedicated to reworking Liberia’s training system to satisfy worldwide requirements,” he stated. “However to do this, we should equip our regulatory establishments with certified personnel and the sources to behave.
The NCHE’s motion sends a robust message that Liberia is coming into a brand new period the place greater training establishments should ship high quality or shut down. The federal government has made it clear that the times of unregulated diploma mills are over.
“There will likely be no sacred cows,” Dr. Wonkeryor declared. “We’re reforming the system to make sure Liberian college students obtain the training they deserve.
On the identical time, the complete institutional report has been submitted to every affected faculty, with strict timelines for compliance. In the meantime, NCHE pledges to uphold steady monitoring and enforcement.
