“A Catalyst For National Development” -Dr. Wonkeryor Describes Higher Education By Amos Harris

The Executive Director of the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE),  Dr. Edward Lama Wonkeryor, has issued a stern warning to institutions of higher learning across Liberia, stating that those failing to meet national and international standards face potential closure. Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism’s (MICAT) regular press briefing on Thursday, December 5, 2024, Dr. Wonkeryor stressed the critical role of higher education in driving national development. “Higher education is key to nation-building,” Dr. Wonkeryor said.  “Institutions that fail to align with international standards will be shut down to safeguard the integrity of Liberia’s education system,” he warned. He emphasized the NCHE’s commitment to upholding educational excellence, ensuring that all schools meet required benchmarks for accreditation and functionality.  Dr. Wonkeryor urged stakeholders in the education sector to prioritize quality, noting that a robust higher education system is essential for producing skilled professionals capable of driving Liberia’s growth. The NCHE is currently conducting a nationwide quality assurance inspection of higher education institutions.  According to him, this initiative aims to strengthen the pillars of higher education by ensuring compliance with international best practices. “This inspection exercise is not just a routine evaluation but a cornerstone of our collective effort to elevate academic standards in Liberia,” he stated.  “Over the coming weeks, trained evaluators and experts will assess key areas, including academic programs, governance structures, infrastructure, financial management, and the overall learning environment,” he further noted. Dr. Wonkeryor also emphasized that the exercise aligns with the government’s ARREST Agenda, which seeks to position Liberia as a hub for academic excellence in the region. “By investing in quality education, we are investing in the human capital that will drive our economic, social, and political transformation,” he added. The NCHE Executive Director encouraged institutions to view the inspections as an opportunity for growth and improvement.  He called on students and faculty to actively participate in the process, highlighting their perspectives as central to shaping the outcomes of the evaluation. “To our institutions, this is your chance to showcase your strengths and embrace recommendations for improvement,” Dr. Wonkeryor said. “To our students and faculty, your voices and experiences are central to this exercise, and we encourage your active participation,” he also indicated. He further extended gratitude to the government and stakeholders for their unwavering support in this initiative, reiterating the NCHE’s commitment to fostering a higher education system that serves as the engine of national development. “Higher education is the foundation of a nation’s progress It is within the lecture halls, laboratories, and libraries of our institutions that we build the human capital needed for Liberia’s future,” Dr. Wonkeryor concluded.