It was a scene at the National Legislature when students of the University of Liberia, under the banner Progressive Student Alliance (PROSA), stormed the Capitol Building, asking the 54th National Legislature to act on the Free Tuition Bill that is currently before them; Mercy M Kpaingbay writes.
Reading the petition statement, PROSA Chairman, Heylove Mark, told the Liberian Senate that RROSA’s attention has been drawn to the national equity act that calls on the enactment of free tuition and WASSCE bill.
The students stormed the Capitol Building with placards in their hands, which read, “You willingly took 30k, Give us free Education”, “Pass the free tuition and WASCE bill now!” “What is the essence of 50% retirement benefits when there’s no WASCE fees payment for 9th and 12th graders?”
According to the PROSA petition statement, since the introduction of the national equity act on January 14, 2022 seeking the legislation of ” a special education fund to support and sustain the free tuition scheme for the University of Liberia (UL) and all public universities and colleges’ programs, and the free WASCE fees for both 9th and 12th graders in Liberia that was submitted to plenary of the House of Representatives by Representative Thomas P. Fallah, they have observed a snail-paced proceeding.
PROSA’s petition statement further explained that failure on the part of the Liberian Senate to pass the free tuition act is a result of lawmakers pushing their own agenda for selfish gain, at the detriment of the student community and the impoverished citizens.
“Our lawmakers wasted no time to secure a well packaged 30k envelope, wasted no time in passing one of the most controversial deals of AML extension. When it comes to issues that will benefit the student community and the country at large, they will willingly renege on their responsibilities.
According to PROSA’s petition statement, they believe that, with the high wave of economic crisis within the country, the payment of WASCE fees for 9th and 12th graders will help to reduce the financial burden on already poverty-stricken parents and will cause an increase in senior high school enrollment throughout Liberia.
PROSA urged the Legislature to craft a law that will prohibit drug trafficking and decisively deal with abusers, thus affording young people the opportunity to contribute towards the growth and development of Liberia.