Liberia news: Reviving Liberia’s Education System: A Strategic Path to Resuscitating to International Standards

MONROVIA-The fourteen years of civil conflict in Liberia devastated nearly every sector of the economy and its institutions, with the educational system being one of the most affected. The deteriorating situation was compounded by the Ebola epidemic and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused the closure of most schools across all levels and dislodged students from campuses at the secondary and tertiary level.

According to UNICEF, less than one-third of children aged 3 to 5 in Liberia have access to early childhood education, and for many, school entry occurs after the age of six. Data from the World Bank and UNESCO Institute for Statistics further reveals a stark gender disparity in tertiary education enrollment, with gross enrollment rates of 15 percent for men and only 9 percent for women.

This report provides a strategic steps for reviving Liberia’s educational system, emphasizing key interventions to bring it up to international standards. The article proposes three strategies recommendations to address the most pressing challenges in the sector.

Increasing Budgetary Allocation and Institutional Investment

A primary step toward restoring Liberia’s educational system is increasing the financial commitment to the sector. In 2024, Liberia allocated about $113 million to education, representing only 15 percent of the national budget. This is insufficient to implement the critical reforms needed. The government must substantially increase its investment in education, particularly to enhance teacher salaries, improve learning environments, and integrate modern technology into classrooms. A restructured curriculum, from primary through tertiary education, should be aligned with global standards, and the emerging needs of the workforce should also be addressed by this budgetary increment.

Enforcing Free, Compulsory Basic Education

The second step is the implementation of free, compulsory basic education from nursery through grade six across all 15 counties. This policy should be coupled with a concerted effort to ensure that schools are staffed with qualified teachers and are subject to strong enforcement, oversight and accountability. Access to primary education is the cornerstone of any thriving society, and ensuring this access will not only increase enrollment rates but also provide a solid foundation for future academic success. The Ministry of Education should make this initiative a central goal for the current and subsequent administrations, ensuring that no child is left behind.

Reducing Education Costs and Incentivizing Key Fields

The third strategic intervention is to reduce the financial barriers for secondary and tertiary education. By lowering tuition fees for secondary schools, colleges, and universities, the government can make higher education more accessible to a larger segment of the population. In addition, incentivize programs should be created to attract students to critical fields such as agriculture, science, technology, engineering, medicine, and education. These programs will not only increase enrollment and retention rates in these vital disciplines but also improve the overall competitiveness and quality of the nation’s higher education institutions. Raising the standards of universities and colleges through these reforms will enhance Liberia’s academic standing and foster a more educated workforce capable of driving long-term economic growth.

These recommendations provide a comprehensive and strategic path toward restoring Liberia’s educational system to international standards. By prioritizing funding, access, and quality, Liberia can transition from a system once described by former President Sirleaf as a “mess” to one of the most robust in sub-Saharan Africa within the next decade. These reforms will increase literacy, contribute to sustainable development, strengthen the national economy, and further position Liberia as a leader in education within the region if fully implemented.

These strategic steps outlined above are a critical blueprint for changing the face of education in Liberia. By directly confronting systemic challenges, the nation can build a more prosperous and equitable future for all its citizens.

New Republic Liberia

Alphonso Toweh

Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets  including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and  did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters 
 He holds first  MA with honors in International  Relations and a  candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict  Resolution from the University of Liberia.