MONTSERRADO COUNTY, LIBERIA-President Joseph Boakai is urging the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) to reassess the accreditation standards for higher education institutions in the country.
President Boakai said,” Reassessing the accreditation standards for these higher learning institutions is critical to ensuring quality.”
The President’s call was contained in a speech delivered by the Senior Presidential Advisor, Dr. Augustine Konneh, at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the National Commission on Higher Education Secretariat at the University of Liberia Fendell Campus.
According to him, the Liberian Leader wants the Commission to ensure that only institutions capable of delivering high-quality education are allowed to operate.
Dr. Konneh added that President Joseph Boakai is concerned about the quality of higher education institutions, noting that the proliferation of institutions that do not meet minimum criteria and lack adequate staff and facilities.
Meanwhile, Dr. Konneh has reassured the NCHE of President Boakai’s commitment to supporting the Commission through budgetary allocations to invest in the education system.
He said,” The President will continue to empower the Commission to effectively regulate and monitor higher education institutions in Liberia.”
According to Dr. Konneh, the goal is to build a robust system that produces skilled, innovative, and patriotic individuals who will contribute to socio-economic development and national goals.
He emphasized the critical role of higher education in the President’s agenda for inclusive development, stressing that education is the backbone for national progress.
The Senior Presidential Advisor also described the groundbreaking ceremony as a significant milestone in the nation’s pursuit of academic excellence and socioeconomic development.
The Commission’s proposed construction of its National Headquarters in Fendell is worth 3.5 million US Dollars.
NCHE Director General, Professor Edward Wonkeryon, said,” The faculty will contain a three-storey building, conference room, offices, and three guest houses, among others.”
According to the NCHE Director General, the project is expected to be completed in 2028.
Professor Edward Wonkeryon thanked the Liberian Government, the University of Liberia, and development partners, among others, for their support of the initiative.
By: Frederick Teegwiah, Jr.
