-House Passes Bill to Establish Zwedru Multilateral Institute
MONROVIA — The House of Representatives has passed a bill seeking to establish the Zwedru Multilateral Institute (ZMI) and grant the institution autonomous status. The bill has been formally forwarded to the Liberian Senate for concurrence.
The legislation, introduced by Grand Gedeh County District #1 Representative, Hon. Jeremiah Sokan, successfully cleared the lower house following a thorough review and favorable recommendations from a Joint Committee comprising the Committees on Education, Good Governance, and Ways, Means, and Finance, and Judiciary.
According to a release from the House of Representatives Press Bureau, Rep. Sokan championed the bill as a critical step toward creating an inclusive and non-discriminatory learning environment. He argued that the elevation of the institution will open doors for individuals from all backgrounds to study, develop essential skills, and achieve their educational goals.
“The proposed institute is designed to be a beacon of opportunity,” Rep. Sokan stated during the floor debate. “It will provide an inclusive space where every Liberian, regardless of their background, can access quality education and training.”
A key feature of the proposed ZMI is its strategic alignment with Liberia’s national development priorities. The institute will operate within the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) framework, directly contributing to the Government of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda. The initiative is expected to significantly bolster educational and workforce development opportunities, specifically targeting the historically underserved southeastern region.
Rep. Sokan highlighted the deep roots of the institution, noting that the Zwedru Multilateral High School, established in 1961, has served as a cornerstone of academic and vocational training for the region’s predominantly youthful population for over six decades. Elevating the high school to an autonomous institute, he explained, will exponentially enhance its capacity to deliver quality education and technical training, thereby advancing the broader workforce development goals for southeastern Liberia.
The bill now awaits concurrence by the Liberian Senate. If passed by the upper house, it will be forwarded to the President for consideration and final enactment into law.
