Liberia’s Ministry of Education has rolled out a series of updates and reforms for the current academic year, addressing school fees, teacher welfare, and infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening the country’s education system.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s weekly press briefing, Acting Education Minister Atty. Nyekeh Y. Forkpa reassured teachers, students, and parents of the government’s renewed commitment to providing quality and affordable education.
Teacher Welfare Gets a Boost
Forkpa disclosed that 417 volunteer teachers have been approved to receive salaries starting this September, while an additional 600 teachers are awaiting clearance at the Civil Service Agency (CSA). He promised that all volunteer teachers identified during the recent payroll verification exercise will be fully enrolled by October’s end.
“No teacher on the Ministry’s payroll now earns below US$185, following salary adjustments made with the Ministry of Finance,” Forkpa confirmed. He revealed that more than 9,000 teachers have already benefited from salary upgrades. However, he also issued a warning: teachers who receive government pay but fail to show up in classrooms will be removed from the payroll.
Regulation of School Fees
Addressing concerns over rising school charges, the Acting Minister cited the Education Reform Act of 2011, which empowers the ministry to regulate tuition and graduation fees. He announced that the government has set official limits:
- Grade 12 – LRD 5,000
- Grade 9 – LRD 3,500
- Grade 6 – LRD 2,500
- Kindergarten – LRD 2,500
“Any school charging beyond these approved amounts will face penalties,” Forkpa warned.
Expanding Access and Infrastructure
Highlighting infrastructure development, the Acting Minister pointed to the recent dedication of model schools in Bong and Nimba counties by President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung. These facilities, he said, are designed to reduce overcrowding and improve learning conditions, with recruitment of teachers and administrators carried out in a transparent process.
Renovation works are also underway in schools marked as critically dilapidated. In addition, 28 schools have been equipped with science laboratories, while 156 secondary schools now have computer labs. Plans are in motion to supply another 450 schools with modern science facilities before the year ends.
The government has further secured US$90 million under the Excel Program to finance construction, renovation, and institutional strengthening across the education sector.
Teacher Training Expansion
Forkpa also announced the nationwide rollout of the “B” Certificate Program in all Teacher Training Institutes, giving aspiring educators more opportunities to advance their careers.
A Promise of Inclusive Education
“We see you, we hear you, and we value you,” Forkpa said, directly addressing teachers. “Our mission remains to ensure quality, accessible, and affordable education for every Liberian child.”
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.