Monrovia, Liberia – Darric Dennis, the recently elected President of the National Association of Liberian School Principals, has pledged to guide the organization into a new era of reform, unity, and innovation with the goal of tackling the nation’s persistent educational problems in what is perceived as a new chapter of the organization.
With the theme “Pioneering Change: Leadership, Innovation, and Impact,” the National Association of Liberian School Principals (NALSP) celebrated its 9th Induction Ceremony over the weekend, launching a new era of inspirational leadership in the field of education.
The event brought together representatives of the association from counties and other education stakeholders, including a representative from the Ministry of Education. Mr. Derric Dennis, newly inducted National President, conveyed his profound humility and appreciation for the association’s members’ faith in him during his inauguration address.
“I view this inauguration as a call to lead with wisdom, listen with humility, and serve with dedication, rather than just a formality,” Mr. Dennis said.
The Ministry of Education, the Election Committee, Convention Officials, and the committed representatives from all 14 counties who, in many cases, traveled great distances under trying circumstances to attend the event were all deeply thanked by the new president. The Liberian education system is at a crucial crossroads, according to the new NALSP President, who also mentioned a number of structural issues that affect both public and private schools.
These include. Inadequate teaching and learning resources, a large number of inexperienced or unqualified secondary school teachers, poor teacher capacity in early childhood and physical education programs, particularly in rural areas, outdated teaching methods with little integration of technology, overcrowded classrooms and older students, a poor reading culture among students, a lack of regular professional development for school administrators, and a lack of community involvement are just a few of the issues.
Mr. Dennis said, he was hopeful that the narrative will change in spite of these obstacles, and he urged members to see the difficulties as chances to rewrite Liberia’s educational history via creativity, capable leadership, and strong dedication. Our system is not strong enough. “As a result, we want imaginative, compassionate, and strong leadership that works together, makes sacrifices, and has the guts to take action,” he said.
He envisions a cohesive, inclusive, and powerful NALSP that supports students with WAEC and WASSCE preparation programs, conducts evidence-based research to inform national education policy, advocates boldly, leads ethically, collaborates widely, embraces innovation, and advocates for data-driven reforms. He also envisions the organization building members’ capacity through conferences, workshops, and professional development.
In order to ensure the group’s viability, Mr. Dennis requested that the Ministry of Education make NALSP receipts a prerequisite for operating permissions. He suggested that this would incentivize member compliance and fortify the group. He urged participants to renew their dedication to quality, responsibility, and solidarity not only as coworkers, but also as a “family of educators connected by a shared purpose.”
He emphasized the necessity of group accountability. “Ask what you can do for the association, not what the association can do for you.”
Mr. Dennis emphasized that NALSP has continued to function without a dedicated office location since its formation on March 16, 1965. In order to fortify NALSP and enhance Liberia’s educational system, he urged for strategic alliances with NGOs and development organizations as well as logistical help.
On behalf of Education Minister Dr. Jaso Marley Jallah, Assistant Minister for Student Personnel Services at the Ministry of Education Hon. Sona T. Sesay, who was a proxy guest speaker at the event, urged the new leadership to support academic excellence, embrace innovation, and promote inclusivity in Liberia’s changing educational landscape.
Minister Sesay charged the incoming leadership, saying, “I admonished you to be unwavering in your integrity, resolute in your pursuit, and compassionate in all your action.”
She voiced hope for the next president’s leadership, pointing to his demonstrated performance history and dedication to principle cooperation and professional growth. She underlined that vision, empathy, and the capacity to motivate greatness are essential for school leadership, pointing out that principals play a key role in establishing school culture and advancing the welfare of students.
Minister Sesay advocated for a leadership style that is service-oriented, grounded on involvement, humility, and support for fair educational opportunities. She also emphasized the urgent issues facing the educational system, such as the scarcity of competent instructors, the age of pupils, the absence of school data, and the negative impact of underqualified staff on student performance.
She challenged all involved to adopt an ambitious, inclusive, and brave vision for education that incorporates technology, encourages lifelong learning, and equips students to be responsible global citizens in addition to being academically skilled.
According to Dr. Benjamin Wehye, the outgoing president, integrity in leadership is crucial. He cautioned the next president to “build trust, always clarify, never take what isn’t yours, speak the truth even before Ministers, propose real solutions, and uphold academic standards.”
Education leaders must advocate for transformation with vision and bravery, even if it is controversial, he said. Everyone, including those who fail, wants students to graduate. However, we have to defend academic honesty.
According to WAEC head Dale Gbotoe, Darric Dennis’ appointment as NALPS President immediately entitles him to a councilman position on the West African Examination Council’s local and international boards.
Reported by: Prince Saah
