By: Melvin Flomo / WhatsApp: 0778677647
Capitol Hill, Monrovia, Liberia — The Plenary of the Liberian Senate has instructed its Committees on Education and Ways, Means, Finance & Budget to launch a comprehensive investigation into reports of salary disparities between instructors of urban and rural universities across the country.
The Senate’s decision followed a communication from Senator Samuel G. Kogar of Nimba County, who called the attention of his colleagues to what he described as “disturbing inequality” in the salaries of university instructors, despite the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the education sector.
According to Senator Kogar, the issue of unequal pay has the potential to trigger an academic crisis if not addressed promptly. He emphasized that instructors teaching in rural areas continue to receive significantly lower salaries compared to their counterparts in urban institutions, a situation he believes undermines motivation and fairness in the system.
In his communication, Senator Kogar urged the Senate to invite Dr. Edward L. Wonkeryor, Executive Director of the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE), and Mr. Josiah F. Joekai, Director-General of the Civil Service Agency (CSA), to provide detailed explanations and updates on the current salary structure for university instructors across the country.
Following extensive deliberations, a motion was proffered by Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon and subsequently endorsed by the Plenary. The motion mandates the two committees to thoroughly investigate the matter and present a comprehensive report within two weeks.
The Senate’s intervention comes amid growing public concern over disparities in pay and working conditions within Liberia’s higher education system. Stakeholders believe that addressing the issue could promote equity, improve morale among instructors, and enhance the overall quality of higher education delivery in the country.
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