Grand Gedeh County District #2 Representative, Marie G. Johnson, has submitted a landmark bill to the House of Representatives seeking to establish Liberia’s first national student loan programme aimed at increasing access to higher education amid the country’s ongoing economic challenges.
The proposed legislation, titled “An Act Establishing Student Loans for Higher Education,” seeks to create a fair and sustainable financing system that will make tertiary education more accessible and affordable for all Liberian students.
In her communication to the House on Thursday, 23 October, Rep. Johnson said the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between ambition and affordability for thousands of Liberian students who continue to pursue higher education despite severe financial constraints.
> “Honourable Speaker, Deputy and esteemed colleagues, the need to provide financial assistance for our citizens seeking higher education cannot be overstated,” she said. “We all recognise the difficult economic conditions in the country, yet thousands of students continue to defy the odds to pursue their studies.”
Rep. Johnson stressed that the bill aims to institutionalise a transparent and dependable framework for educational financing, supporting deserving students who face financial barriers to tertiary or professional education. She described the proposal as a lifeline for struggling students, emphasising that education remains the strongest foundation for national development and economic empowerment.
She further noted that establishing a student loan system is not merely an act of compassion but a strategic investment in Liberia’s future.
> “Education drives productivity, strengthens governance, and builds a skilled workforce capable of transforming our economy,” she explained. “This Act will ensure that no capable Liberian student is left behind because of financial hardship. When we empower our youth through education, we empower the nation.”
Following her presentation, the House of Representatives mandated its Joint Committee on Judiciary, Education, and Ways, Means and Finance to review the bill and report back within two weeks with findings and recommendations.
The student loan proposal has already been hailed as one of the most forward-looking education reforms before the 55th Legislature. If passed, it would relieve struggling students and families of tuition burdens, promote equitable access to higher education, and drive human capital development nationwide.
Rep. Johnson urged her colleagues to act with urgency and compassion, warning that thousands of promising students drop out of university each year due to financial barriers.
“By passing this bill, we are not just investing in students,” she said. “We are investing in the future of Liberia.”
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