By Jerromie S. Walters
The House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward transforming the historic Zwedru Multilateral High School into an autonomous institute. A bill submitted by Grand Gedeh County District #1 Representative, Jeremiah Sokan, has been forwarded to a joint committee for review.
The committee—comprising members from Education, Good Governance, Ways and Means, and Judiciary—is tasked with examining the proposal and reporting back to the full House for further action.
Rep. Sokan explained that the bill aims to elevate the institution, founded in 1961, to autonomous status, strengthening its capacity to deliver inclusive education and vocational training.
“This will create an environment where persons of all backgrounds may study, learn, and achieve without discrimination,” Sokan stated.
He emphasized that the proposed Zwedru Multilateral Institute (ZMI) would align with Liberia’s national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs and support the government’s ARREST agenda in the southeastern region.
In a related session focusing on public sector human resources, the Director General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), Dr. Josiah F. Joekai, Jr., appeared before the House Plenary to provide updates on the integration of volunteer teachers and health workers into the national payroll.
His appearance followed an inquiry from **Maryland County Representative Anthony F. Williams**, who sought clarity on the status of volunteers and warned that payment delays could harm morale and public service delivery.
Dr. Joekai highlighted strong collaboration between the CSA, the **Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP)**, and key line ministries. He reported concrete progress:
– Ministry of Education: All 2,148 volunteer teachers whose Personnel Action Notices (PANs) were submitted have been validated and placed on payroll, though some face delays due to incorrect bank details.
– Ministry of Health: 1,879 PANs were submitted; 1,500 health workers are now on payroll, with the remaining 329 expected to be added in February.
– Nationwide: A total of 3,406 volunteers, including teachers from the Monrovia Consolidated School System, have been integrated.
Dr. Joekai acknowledged the challenge of sustainable funding and noted the government’s commitment to phasing out the supplementary payroll system. He also mentioned that 2,396 additional volunteer PANs received in December are under review.
Also appearing before the House was the Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Francis Sakila Nyumalin, Sr., responding to concerns raised by Nimba County Representative Nehker E. Gaye regarding the welfare of local government officials.
Minister Nyumalin acknowledged systemic issues, including officials omitted from the payroll and others forced to travel to Monrovia to collect salaries. He disclosed that the ministry is processing the inclusion of traditional chiefs but noted complications—some regions have over 50 chiefs, creating administrative strain.
To streamline governance, the Minister revealed plans to submit an amendment to rationalize local structures, potentially revoking city status for areas that do not meet legal criteria.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with the Legislature to improve local administration and ensure the welfare of officials across the country.
During the discussions, lawmakers pressed for durable solutions to Liberia’s reliance on volunteer labor in the education and health sectors. They emphasized that timely compensation is critical to maintaining service quality and upholding the government’s commitment to strengthening public sector capacity.
The joint committee reviewing the Zwedru Multilateral Institute bill is expected to work swiftly, with its findings to guide subsequent legislative action.
