The newly inducted President of the Alumni Association of the LICOSESS College of Education, Mr. Menfred Melbah, has called on the Government of Liberia to place the institution on government subsidy to strengthen the training of qualified and impactful teachers across the country.
Speaking Friday, May 29, during his induction ceremony as president of the Alumni Association, Melbah emphasized the growing national demand for professionally trained teachers, particularly in rural Liberia, and urged the government to prioritize investment in teacher education.
“Place the institution on government subsidy,” Melbas appealed, noting that increased support for teacher-training institutions is critical to addressing the country’s educational challenges and improving learning outcomes nationwide.
According to him, Liberia’s quest for sustained national development can only be achieved through a robust education system driven by competent and well-trained educators. He challenged both government and teachers to become “drivers of the education system,” stressing that educators must continuously upgrade their qualifications beyond basic certificates and bachelor’s degrees to meet the evolving demands of the profession.
“Education remains the foundation of national development. If we are serious about transforming Liberia, then we must invest in the people who teach our children,” he said. Outlining his vision for the Alumni Association, Melbah said true leadership is not about position but service to humanity.
He pledged to work closely with the administration of LICOSESS College of Education to strengthen teacher-training programs, improve institutional capacity, and support efforts aimed at securing land and constructing permanent facilities for the institution.
The newly inducted alumni leader disclosed that his administration is already engaging the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia to explore opportunities under an American mentorship initiative intended to support teacher development and professional growth.
He noted that more than 1,800 teachers are currently undergoing training through the institution, underscoring the need for expanded infrastructure and resources to meet the country’s growing demand for qualified educators. Melbas’ call comes amid ongoing reforms by the Ministry of Education aimed at professionalizing Liberia’s teaching workforce.
Recently, Education Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah announced the implementation of a nationwide teacher licensing and certification program designed to ensure that only qualified and licensed teachers are allowed to teach in Liberian classrooms. The initiative, which is grounded in provisions of Liberia’s Education Act and the country’s Teaching Workforce Management Strategy, seeks to improve professionalism, accountability, and educational standards across the sector.
The Ministry has also launched a Teacher Certification Validation System and is working toward a framework that will require educators to meet certification and licensing requirements before entering the classroom.
Serving as keynote speaker at the induction ceremony, Nathaniel F. McGill of Margibi County, who chairs the Senate Committee on Education, assured the institution of legislative support.
Senator McGill pledged to work closely with the LICOSESS College of Education and its Alumni Association to strengthen teacher education and expand access to qualified educators throughout Liberia. He stressed that improving teacher quality remains essential to enhancing educational standards and ensuring that students across the country receive quality instruction.
“We will continue to support initiatives that strengthen teacher training and contribute to the development of the education sector,” Senator McGill said.
LICOSESS, an acronym for the Liberian Cooperative Standard Education School System, was established in November 1994 primarily to prepare teachers through its “C” and “B” Certificate programs.
The institution later expanded into higher education, receiving authorization to award Associate degrees and subsequently attaining accreditation. In 2022, it was elevated to a full bachelor’s degree-granting institution. Today, LICOSESS operates multiple satellite campuses across Liberia and has trained thousands of teachers serving in schools throughout the country.
