By Jessica Cox
MONROVIA, Liberia’s National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) has ordered the immediate closure of Dunamas University and invalidated 11 master’s degrees awarded by the institution after investigators determined that the university was operating graduate programs without the required authorization from the country’s higher education regulator.
The decision, announced Tuesday by NCHE Executive Director Dr. Cecelia Cassell during a Ministry of Information press briefing, marks one of the commission’s most significant enforcement actions in recent years and signals a tougher stance against institutions operating outside established accreditation standards.
According to Dr. Cassell, the commission’s investigation uncovered serious violations involving the operation of graduate-level academic programs that had not received approval from the NCHE. As a result, the institution has been directed to cease academic operations immediately.
The commission further announced that 11 master’s degrees issued through the unauthorized programs have been revoked, rendering the credentials invalid for academic, professional, and employment purposes.
“This action demonstrates our commitment to protecting the integrity of Liberia’s higher education system,” Dr. Cassell said, stressing that institutions must meet national standards before offering advanced degree programs.
The enforcement measure forms part of an ongoing nationwide effort by the NCHE to strengthen oversight of colleges and universities and ensure compliance with accreditation requirements.
Officials warned that degrees obtained through unauthorized programs undermine public confidence in the country’s educational system and can negatively affect graduates seeking employment or further studies both locally and internationally.
The commission has advised employers, government agencies, professional bodies, and academic institutions to exercise caution when reviewing credentials and to verify qualifications issued by institutions under regulatory scrutiny.
Students currently enrolled at Dunamas University have also been urged to suspend academic activities while the commission works to implement measures aimed at minimizing disruptions to their education.
According to NCHE, arrangements are being explored to assist affected students with transfers to recognized and accredited institutions where possible. The commission said additional guidance will be provided in the coming weeks regarding transfer procedures and academic record verification.
The closure comes amid broader efforts by the NCHE to improve accountability across Liberia’s higher education sector. During recent public engagements, commission officials have emphasized the importance of accreditation, curriculum quality, institutional capacity, and adherence to national standards.
The regulator has also indicated that it is conducting wider assessments of higher education institutions across the country as part of efforts to strengthen academic quality and ensure that universities possess the facilities, faculty, curriculum, and governance structures necessary to provide credible education.
Education observers say the action against Dunamas University sends a strong message that institutions cannot operate graduate programs without regulatory approval and that students must verify the accreditation status of universities before enrolling.
For the NCHE, the closure represents more than a disciplinary measure; it is part of a broader campaign to protect students, preserve the value of legitimate academic credentials, and maintain confidence in Liberia’s higher education system.
As investigations continue into compliance issues across the sector, the commission says it remains committed to enforcing standards designed to ensure that degrees awarded in Liberia meet both national and international expectations.
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