The Liberian Senate Committee on Education and Public Administration has concluded the first phase of a public hearing to address the country’s education sector challenges.
Chaired by Margibi County Senator, Nathaniel F. McGill, the committee invited officials from the Ministry of Education, Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), and the University of Liberia (UL) to discuss pressing issues.
The invitation of the institutions was based on assessment made by senators regarding the readiness of school’s buildings, policy priorities across basic and secondary education, along with strategies for higher and technical education.
Key concerns raised during the hearing included the issue regarding funding for the University of Liberia. The university’s President, Dr. Layli Maparyan, requested US$500,000 to meet demands from the university’s Faculty Association, covering back-pay for adjunct professors, teaching overloads, and medical insurance for faculty members.
Dr. Maparyan also highlighted that the institution did not receive the allocated US$1 million in the 2024 budget.
Another issue was regarding school infrastructure. During the hearing, MCSS Superintendent, Augustine Stevens, emphasized the need for renovation of MCSS buildings, stating that only one out of 16 schools she visited was problem-free.
The Minister of Education, Jarso Jallah, reported that 25 out of 150 identified public schools have been renovated, with efforts continuing throughout the academic year.
Regarding school feeding program, Minister Jallah said the program currently covers 13 counties, excluding Grand Kru and Sinoe counties.
The Thursday hearing between senators and education stakeholders also aimed at identifying solutions to educational challenges, including teacher shortages.
According to Minister Jallah, even though Liberia faces a significant shortage of qualified teachers, especially in the rural areas, the Education Ministry is making stride to ensure qualified teachers are in the classrooms.
Minister Jallah at the same time mentioned that many schools lack basic facilities, including classrooms, libraries, and laboratories, hindering the learning environment, which she assured, government is exerting all efforts to improve the quality of learning in the sector.
The Senate committee’s findings and recommendations are expected to inform policy decisions and interventions to improve the education sector.
Senator McGill concluded the hearing by indicating that the hearing will continue on September 9, 2025 with a citation to authorities of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) to address most of the financial issues raised.