HOR Passes Five Landmark Education Bills to Expand Higher Learning in Liberia

In a significant move to strengthen the educational landscape of Liberia, the House of Representatives has passed five landmark bills aimed at expanding access to higher education and advancing technical and specialized training across the country. The bills, passed during the House’s plenary session this week, include the establishment of the Sign Language Institute of Liberia, River Gee Community College, and Rivercess Community College, as well as legislation to elevate the Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC) and Bong Technical College to full university status. The legislation followed extensive public hearings conducted by the Joint Committee on Education, Public Administration, and Judiciary, which engaged education stakeholders, civil society actors, and government representatives in discussions to assess the significance, feasibility, and impact of the proposed institutions. The report and recommendations were submitted to plenary by Nimba County District #2 Representative Hon. Nyahn G. Flomo, Chair of the Education and Public Administration Committee. “This is a historic moment for Liberia’s education sector,” said Rep. Flomo. “These bills represent our shared vision to decentralize higher education, promote inclusion, and strengthen the technical and vocational training capacities needed to grow our economy and empower our youth.” The Sign Language Institute of Liberia is expected to become the first institution of its kind in the country, providing specialized education for individuals with hearing impairments and offering training for sign language interpreters. This initiative aligns with Liberia’s commitment to inclusive education and support for persons with disabilities. The creation of River Gee Community College and Rivercess Community College addresses longstanding concerns about the lack of post-secondary institutions in underserved counties. Once established, these colleges will provide accessible learning opportunities to students in the southeast and central regions of the country, thereby reducing the need to migrate to Monrovia or other urban areas for education. Equally significant is the elevation of the Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC) to a degree-awarding institution. The MVTC has played a vital role in training Liberians in practical skills and trades. Its transformation into a technical university will enhance its capacity to produce highly skilled graduates equipped to meet the demands of the job market. Additionally, Bong Technical College, which has long served as a center for science, technology, and engineering in central Liberia, will be upgraded to a full-fledged technical university, broadening its academic programs and expanding its infrastructure to serve a larger student population. Members of the House lauded the Joint Committee for its thorough consultation process and emphasized the importance of continuous investment in education as a catalyst for national development. With the passage of these bills, the government moves closer to its goal of creating a more inclusive, equitable, and skills-oriented education system. The legislation will now be transmitted to the Liberian Senate for concurrence