Authorities at the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) said, they have unearthed widespread irregularities among ‘fake’ universities and colleges in the country.
The NCHE statement was contained in
findings from a nationwide quality assurance and compliance assessment that exposed major institutional failures across dozens of universities and colleges.
NCHE Director-General, Dr. Edward Lama Wonkeryor, made the disclosure at the Ministry of Information regular news conference on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Monrovia.
Wonkeryor said, several higher learning institutions have been operating under “deplorable academic and administrative conditions with some even running illegally without licenses.”
“Majority of the institutions the Commission assessed are operating under extremely challenged conditions, with widespread issues, including unqualified staffs, poor infrastructure, and violations of regulatory standards,” Dr. Wonkeryor said.
The NCHE-led inspection, launched in November, 2024, aimed to examine institutional governance, curriculum standards, faculty qualifications, infrastructure, student support services, research engagement, and financial management in the country’s higher education landscape.
The exercise involved NCHE’s senior management and external consultants.
According to Dr. Wonkeryor, the effort aligns with the President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes reform, transparency, and system-wide accountability.
Based on the assessment, institutions were categorized into four groups:
For example, category ‘A’ comprises accredited and chartered institutions with minor challenges (32 institutions).
These are recognized institutions that remain operational, but have been directed to address specific shortcomings within a given timeframe.
They are University of Liberia,
Cuttington University,
African Bible College University,
Stella Maris Polytechnic University, and
Bomi County Community College.
Category ‘B’ contained licensed and accredited institutions with major challenges (25 institutions).
These institutions face severe operational or compliance issues such as lack of laboratories, qualified faculty, or proper governance.
They are granted one month to a year to resolve these problems or risk suspension.
They include BlueCrest University College,
George Johnson University College, United Methodist University, Wilberforce Baptist University, and the Forestry Training Institute.
In category ‘C,’ institutions with suspended licenses (22 institutions).
These schools have been suspended with immediate effect due to “egregious violations or failure to meet basic operational standards.”
They are Gloria Joy College of Science and Technology, Liberia Christian College, Messiah University College, Cypress International University, and Evangel Christian University College.
Dr. Wonkeryor warned that any institution found operating while under suspension will face prosecution, including arrests of administrators and fines.
However, in category ‘D,’ are 21 illegal institutions that have been ordered closed.
Meanwhile, a shocking number of unlicensed, illegal institutions were also discovered.
Many were found offering degrees, especially in health sciences without proper accreditation or facilities.
They include Merchu Institute of Health and Laboratory Sciences (72nd Junction), Christ School System (Pipeline Road),
Open Bible College,
College of Professional Studies (Jacob Town), and the
Royal Institute for Secretarial Science.
“These schools are not only violating national laws, but are putting students’ futures at risk,” Dr. Wonkeryor stated.
He added that inspections will continue, especially in underserved counties, and more closures are expected in the coming weeks.
The Commission has, meanwhile, begun a separate review of graduate-level programs, including those at the University of Liberia.
Wonkeryor said, graduate teaching staff must hold terminal degrees, “and any programs failing to meet this criterion will be halted.”
As a result, Trinity University’s graduate program has been suspended with immediate effect, although its undergraduate programs are being placed ‘under supervision.’
Dr. Wonkeryor used the opportunity to call for enhanced institutional support, revealing that NCHE itself is overwhelmed and in need of at least five to six PhD-level staff across disciplines to fulfill its growing mandate.
Source: FRIK MEDIA /By Jamesetta D Williams