A
theological educational institution in Liberia the Monrovia Bible College
(MBC) has been given a mandate to refund monies it collected from
prospective students within two weeks.
The mandate was issued by the Director General of Liberians National
Commission On Higher Education (NCHE) Dr. Michael Slawon following the
discovery that the institution based in the Liberian capital Monrovia was
caught allegedly offering what was described as "misleading documentation
to its students".
The NCHE Director General says the MBC is among a number of local
educational institutions in Liberia that did not qualify to offer
Bachelor's degrees, per the Liberian government's requirements. “In its
admission documentation now being marketed, the college claims it has the
right to operate as a Bachelor degree granting institution" Dr. Slawon
added.
Dr. Slawon told local media that MBC was selling information sheets
contrary to its accreditation agreement entered into with the Government
of Liberia.
There has been a steep uptake in the number of substandard schools in
Liberia in the last five years and the Liberian Education Ministry,
through the National Commission of Higher Education (NCHE) has been
vigorously attempting to check, and in some instances, close down such
institutions. There had been a steady decline of public schools in Liberia
- a situation which was exacerbated the civil war.
In an effort to become a part of a regional examining board which was set
up to harmonize and standardize pre-university assessment procedure in the
then British West Africa including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana and the
Gambia.
Liberia, a non- British colony, became a member of the West African
Examinations Council (WAEC) IN 1974.
A major embarrassment for the Liberian Education Ministry this year was
the announcement in August by the Head of the WAEC Liberia office Dr.
Thomas Gaie that of the 20,565 Liberian students who took the Senior High
School certificate examinations, on 14,682 passed successfully.
The WAEC local office described the overall student performance as "poor".
In response to the mass failure report, the Sirleaf Administration
announced in late August that it would seek to provide trained teachers
and instructional materials to improve the educational sector.
Educational analysts have identified several factors impacting the system
including lack of qualified teachers and incentives, infrastructures and a
cohesive and relevant curriculum.
Liberia has two major teacher training institutions - Kakata Rural
Teachers Training Institute (KRTTI) and the Zorzor Rural Teachers Training
Institute (ZRTTI).
By Emmanuel Abalo
Philadelphia, PA USA
