Monrovia, Liberia – The National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) has closed 31 unapproved schools and suspended the licenses of 22 more for breaking regulatory and accrediting criteria as part of a crackdown on poor postsecondary institutions.
During the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on Tuesday, NCHE Executive Director Edward Lama Wonkeryor made the announcement, describing the measure as an essential step to safeguard the integrity of Liberia’s higher education system.
“Our educational system’s credibility is seriously threatened by these illegally operating schools. The public is being advised not to enroll in them,” Wonkeryor stated.
In order to identify institutions that fall short of minimal academic, structural, and operational standards, a nationwide quality assurance assessment was conducted, which led to the suspensions and closures.
Cepres University, Prevailing Word University, Barshell University College (founded by former Representative Cebee Barshell of District No. 3), Christian University College, Modern University, Kollah University (affiliated with former Liberty Party Secretary General Martin Kollah), AVEEM University, and Wesleyan College are among the 22 suspended institutions.
“These institutions have not fulfilled the minimal requirements set forth by the commission to remain accredited institutions,” Wonkeryor said.
Mertu Institute, GONET Academy, Professional Journalism School, Bless Hope of Biblical Studies, Vision Art Institute, and Monrovia Open Bible College are among the 31 establishments that have been forced to close currently. It was discovered that these institutions were not functioning legally or with accreditation.
Several fully certified universities were also given a one-year compliance ultimatum by Wonkeryor, a move that suggests more stringent enforcement overall. The University of Liberia, Bomi County Technical College, Cuttington University, Adventist University of West Africa, Salvation Army Polytechnic University, Apex University of Liberia, and Nimba University are a few of them.
“During the grace period, these institutions must fully comply with NCHE criteria. Further suspensions or closures will result from failure to comply,” he cautioned.
Growing worries about the rise of unreliable or unregulated schools providing degrees and certificates without adequate control are reflected in the NCHE’s action. Civil society activists and specialists in higher education have long blasted Liberia’s lenient academic standards enforcement, claiming it erodes public confidence and results in graduates with inadequate qualifications.
In terms of faculty credentials, academic infrastructure, financial transparency, and administrative ability, Wonkeryor stated that the Commission is still dedicated to making sure that all schools fulfill essential standards. He highlighted “This is not a witch hunt. It is a firm but fair attempt to restore credibility and clean up our higher education sector.”
The complete list of impacted schools has been released by the NCHE, and before enrolling, parents, sponsors, and students are urged to confirm the institutions’ accreditation status. To guarantee long-term compliance, the Commission is anticipated to carry out further monitoring activities.
FULL LIST OF UNIVERSITIES AND THEIR STATUS:
