–Press Government on Education Demands
By Vaye Abel Lepolu
MONROVIA, Liberia — The Monrovia Consolidated School System Students’ Union (MCSS-SU) demands urgent government intervention in public education. The union calls for the dismissal of an MCSS assistant superintendent, improved school infrastructure, and full implementation of commitments made to teachers.
The students’ leadership submitted a petition to the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Education, and MCSS authorities. The union warns it will proceed with peaceful protest action after its 24-hour ultimatum expires on October 20, 2026.
The union says unresolved disputes affecting teachers have deprived students of valuable instructional time. Disagreements among school administrators have raised concerns about education system stability.
President Sekou V. Siryon leads the MCSS-SU. The union outlined four major demands as necessary steps toward restoring effective teaching and learning, protecting students, and improving public school conditions.
The union’s first demand requires the government to fulfill the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the MCSS on March 27, 2026. Students say unresolved teacher issues continue to threaten academic activities and deprive students of essential classroom instruction.
The union acknowledges teachers’ welfare importance but maintains students should not bear the consequences of prolonged disagreements between teachers and government authorities. Students call for implementation of outstanding commitments, meaningful engagement with relevant parties, and concrete measures to restore normal teaching and learning.
In its second demand, the MCSS-SU calls for the dismissal of Assistant Superintendent Emmanuel Kyne Robertson. The union alleges student incitement, classroom disruptions, and threats against students. The union also raised concerns about an alleged incident involving individuals reportedly sent to attack its president.
The union wants the government and Ministry of Education to investigate the claims and take appropriate administrative action. It emphasizes schools must remain safe environments where students pursue education without intimidation, threats, or interference.
The third demand targets what the union describes as the use of students in administrative and political disagreements within the MCSS. Students expressed concern that divisions among certain administrators affect the school system and potentially draw students into disputes unrelated to their education.
The union calls on administrators to resolve differences through dialogue and established institutional procedures. It stresses the need to protect MCSS Students’ Union independence and ensure student leadership is not manipulated to advance personal, administrative, or political interests.
The union’s fourth demand seeks increased budgetary allocation to the MCSS to address persistent infrastructure and learning challenges across public schools. Students acknowledged ongoing renovation work at Boatswain Junior and Senior High School, G.W. Gibson Senior High School, and Matilda Newport Junior High School.
However, they say many other institutions continue to face inadequate classrooms, insufficient furniture, poor sanitation, and shortages of essential learning facilities. Students urge the government to allocate additional resources for school renovations, classroom improvements, sanitation facilities, and learning materials. They also call for greater transparency and accountability in public education fund management.
The MCSS-SU says it issued its 24-hour ultimatum in good faith to give the government an opportunity to address concerns through dialogue and peaceful engagement. However, the union warns its commitment to peace should not be interpreted as willingness to tolerate continued inaction while students’ education remains at risk.
With the deadline expiring on October 20, the union formally notified authorities of its intention to proceed with peaceful protest action in accordance with decisions by its leadership and applicable procedures. Students urged all participants to remain disciplined and peaceful, emphasizing the planned action aims to draw attention to their demands rather than advance personal or political interests.
Meanwhile, the Government of Liberia announced that 201 MCSS volunteer teachers will be enrolled on the national payroll effective October 2026. This brings the total number of verified volunteer teachers placed on the payroll to 409.
The government also said eligible teachers would receive retroactive salaries one week after the October salary payment. The announcement followed consultations involving the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Civil Service Agency, and MCSS.
Authorities have appealed to teachers to return to their classrooms and urged students to continue academic activities without interruption. However, the students’ four demands extend beyond teachers’ employment and salary concerns to include administrative accountability, protection of student leadership, and increased investment in school infrastructure.
The immediate challenge for the government and education authorities is to address these concerns through concrete action and sustained engagement to prevent further disruption to teaching and learning across the MCSS.
