By: Fiona Benson Kollie
President Joseph Boakai has vetoed the Liberia Vocational and Technical Education and Training (TVET) Commission Bill.
The proposed legislation sought to create a centralized institution responsible for regulating and coordinating TVET activities nationwide.
The bill was introduced in the House by Montserrado County Electoral District #14 Representative Hon. Muka K. Kamara.
In a formal communication to the Speaker, President Boakai said the bill lacks administrative efficiency and does not align with best practices in public sector governance.
He raised concerns over a conflict in the bill’s mandate, noting that while the commission is intended to regulate and supervise the sector, it is also expected to absorb training functions from key ministries, including Education and Youth and Sports an overlap he warned could undermine neutrality and effective oversight.
The President also cited weak transitional provisions and governance inconsistencies, warning that the absence of a clear legal framework for transferring staff and assets could trigger labor disputes and operational challenges, while some provisions may conflict with the Constitution.
Invoking Article 35 of the Constitution, President Boakai returned the bill to the Liberian Legislature for reconsideration, leaving lawmakers to either revise the measure or attempt to override the veto.