MVTC Gains University Status
By: Fiona Benson
The Plenary of the House of Representatives (HoR) has passed into law a bill seeking to transform the Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC) into a full-fledged university.
The decision, according to a release, was reached on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, during the 19th day sitting of the 2nd Quarter of the 2nd Session, following the adoption of a report from the joint committee on education and public administration and judiciary.
The bill, the release said, was submitted by Montserrado County Electoral District #2 Representative Sekou Kanneh.
The Committee presented several key recommendations, all of which were incorporated into the final version of the bill. The newly approved law provides for the institution will be officially known as the Monrovia University of Science and Technical Education (MUSTE).
A three-year phased implementation plan has been established to ensure a smooth and structured upgrade.
MUSTE is required to submit a detailed transition and compliance plan to the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) within six months of enactment.
The Ministry of Finance is, meanwhile, mandated to allocate special budgetary support beginning in the Fiscal Year 2026.
A University Council will be constituted to oversee the transformation process. The council will include representatives from government, academia, civil society, and industry.
MUSTE will introduce new academic programs, including industrial engineering, applied sciences, and technical teacher education.
A new era for technical education in the country, according to the release, form part of
the transformation of MVTC into MUSTE as a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to strengthening its technical education and workforce development strategy.
By expanding its academic offerings and aligning with international accreditation standards, the new university is positioned to become a national center of excellence in science and technical training.
“This is a historic step for education in the country,” said the Chair of the Committee on education and public administration. “With proper oversight and investment, MUSTE will play a pivotal role in producing the skilled professionals needed to drive our country’s industrial and economic growth.”
The bill now moves to the senate for concurrence.