By: Moses Gwee Jr
The National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) has announced the immediate suspension of 22 institutions of higher learning across Liberia, citing non-compliance with regulatory standards. The commission has ordered the affected institutions to cease operations with immediate effect, pending further investigation and action.
Among the institutions suspended are some that have operated under scrutiny for years. They include Cepres University, Prevailing Word University, Barshell University College, The Christian University College, Modern University, Kollah University, and AVEEM University.
Others such as Mertu Institute, GONET Academy, and PJSL have also been identified as operating illegally in the country.According to the NCHE, the decision is part of ongoing efforts to sanitize Liberia’s higher education sector and ensure that institutions operate in line with academic and infrastructural standards.
The commission emphasized that many of the suspended schools failed to meet minimum requirements for legitimacy, curriculum quality, faculty qualification, and physical infrastructure.
In addition to the suspensions, the NCHE has issued a stern one-year ultimatum to several prominent institutions to comply with all academic, administrative, and infrastructural standards or face similar disciplinary action. These include the University of Liberia, Cuttington University, Bong County Technical College, Adventist University of West Africa, Salvation Army Polytechnic University, Apex University of Liberia, and Nimba University, among others.
The NCHE noted that the ultimatum is intended to give these institutions adequate time to address deficiencies and bring their operations into full compliance. "We are committed to raising the standard of higher education in Liberia, and this action is necessary to protect the future of our students and the credibility of our educational system," a spokesperson from the commission stated.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions from students and the general public, with many calling for transparency in the review process. Stakeholders are urging the NCHE to also publish the specific criteria used in evaluating the schools and provide regular updates on compliance progress across institutions nationwide.
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