The 2025 Graduation Ceremony of the Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC), held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the institution’s campus in Paynesville, was unexpectedly disrupted by graduates who cited poor planning and administrative lapses as the cause of their protest. The ceremony, which was intended to celebrate the achievements of several hundred graduates from technical and vocational disciplines, was brought to a halt when some graduates staged a walkout, voicing grievances against the administration.
Chief among their concerns was the failure of MVTC to provide graduation packages including memorabilia to certain students who had fulfilled all academic requirements. According to protesting graduates, the absence of these materials not only dampened the spirit of the event but also raised questions about the preparedness and accountability of the school’s management. “We worked hard to reach this day, yet many of us were left without the very basics needed to participate in our own graduation,” one graduate lamented. Parents and guests expressed disappointment over the turn of events, noting that the disruptions overshadowed what should have been a moment of pride and accomplishment.
Some attendees also criticized what they described as poor logistical arrangements, including delays in the program’s start and inadequate seating for invited guests. Responding to the situation, the MVTC administration acknowledged the challenges faced but attributed the setbacks to financial and logistical constraints. A senior administrator assured graduates and their families that all outstanding items would be distributed in the coming days, while committing to conduct a comprehensive review to avoid recurrence in future ceremonies.
Despite the disruptions, a portion of the program continued, with keynote speakers and dignitaries urging the graduates to remain focused on their career paths and to apply the skills acquired during their training to contribute to national development. The Minister of Youth and Sports, who oversees MVTC, emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening vocational and technical education as a cornerstone for job creation and economic growth. The 2025 MVTC graduation was expected to be a showcase of the institution’s role in equipping young Liberians with practical skills in fields such as carpentry, masonry, welding, electrical engineering, and catering.
However, the day’s events highlighted ongoing challenges facing vocational institutions, particularly in the areas of planning, resource management, and student engagement. As the dust settles, stakeholders are calling for immediate reforms at MVTC to ensure transparency, accountability, and improved administration, so that future ceremonies can truly reflect the hard work and resilience of Liberia’s young people.
