Montserrado County’s district #5 Representative, Thomas P. Fallah, Chairman of the Ways, Means & Finance Committee of the House of Representatives, has asked the plenary of the House to pass an act to create special educational in Liberia.
According to the district #5 lawmaker, the intent of his communication is to see that 9th grades and 12th grades are tuition-free.
“Considering education as fundamental to the growth and development of any nation, this legislation if passed into law will seek to positively affect the followings in term of enhancement of our educational system,” Representative Fallah noted.
He noted that tuition-free schemes for the University of Liberia and all public universities and colleges in Liberia will mitigate the current economic inequality by increasing college enrollment, lowering pressure on students and parents and improving completion term of studies, especially among students of lower income.
Speaking with legislative reporters at his Capitol Building office, the Chair on Ways, Means and Finance stated that payment of WASSCE fees (public and private) for ninth and twelve graders is critical to the economy. Students will no longer have to pay WASSCE fees in all institutions. Additionally this act will help to reduce the financial burden on students and parents, and will cause an increase in senior high enrollment and academic output amongst the student populace.
“Article 6 of the Constitution mandates that the Republic shall provide equal access to educational opportunities and facilities for all citizens, to the extent of available resources. Chapter 9 of the educational law of Liberia allows the government to provide strategic assistance and financial aid to Liberian students,” the act explained.