-At Government Universities
By Vaye Lepolu
The National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) has officially declared that a comprehensive credentials audit will be conducted in government universities throughout Liberia. The Executive Director of NCHE, Professor Edward Lama Wonkeryor, revealed that the audit will encompass prominent institutions such as the University of Liberia, Tubman University, Grand Bassa University, Lofa University, and other government-run establishments across the nation.
Professor Wonkeryor emphasized the importance of ensuring that government universities receive adequate budgetary support to provide quality education to Liberian citizens. He underscored the need for these institutions to uphold high standards of learning to remain competitive with other African countries.
Established by an Act of the National Legislature in 1989, NCHE is tasked with regulating and accrediting higher education programs in Liberia. The commission currently recognizes 80 higher education institutions, categorized based on the degrees they offer. These institutions are spread across 11 counties in Liberia, with a total student enrollment of 59,854 in the 2022/2023 academic year.
Professor Wonkeryor expressed gratitude for the increased budgetary support provided to NCHE by President Dr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. He commended the government for prioritizing higher education and acknowledged the efforts of all stakeholders involved in enhancing the educational landscape of the country.
Moving forward, NCHE has outlined strategic objectives for 2024-2026 aimed at transforming the higher education system in Liberia. These objectives include strengthening quality assurance in higher education institutions and delivering competitive education outputs for sustainable national development. The commission has initiated measures to establish quality assurance cells at accredited institutions to monitor program delivery and ensure academic excellence at both institutional and national levels.
