National Commission on Higher Education

On behalf of the Management and staff of the National Commission on Higher Education, Happy birthday to the Deputy Director General for Planning, Research and Development, Hon. S. Reginald Zunleh Mehnpaine. Your service to the Commission and humanity will be remembered forever. Best of everything on your natal day.

NCHE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED UNIVERSITY OF LIBERIA'S PhD PROGRAMS

The Board of Commissioners of the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) has approved the University of Liberia's quest to offer PhD programs in Liberia. The approval was made on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 during the NCHE Board of Commissioners’ final meeting under the leadership of Professor D. Ansu Sonii, Sr., Minister of Education and Chairman, NCHE Board of Commissioners, in the Conference Room of the Ministry of Education, EJS Ministerial Complex, Tubman Boulevard, Monrovia, Liberia.

Providing updates from the Secretariat of the NCHE before the official approval of UL's application, the Director General of the NCHE, Professor Dr. Edward Lama Wonkeryor, presented recommendations for licensing the University of Liberia, an applying institution of higher education, to offer doctoral degree programs in two tracks to the Board of Commissioners of the NCHE. The two tracks -- Education and Health Sciences, -- include the following: PhD in Educational Administration, PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, PhD in Measurement and Evaluation; PhD in Public Health, and PhD in Biomedical Science. Additionally, the Director General presented draft policies, including National Policy on Reforming Higher Education in Liberia 2023; NCHE’S Administrative Manual 2023; and the NCHE’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy, for approval.

In fulfillment of the 1989 Act that created the National Commission on Higher Education, as well as National Policy on Higher Education (2012), and other policy instruments which empower the NCHE to monitor, evaluate, and accredit all institutions of higher learning, and review existing programs of study based on national needs, an assessment of the University of Liberia to offer doctoral degree programs was made by a high-profile team from the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) on December 21, 2023. Mainly, they conducted a comprehensive assessment of the institution in order to determine the capacity of the institution to offer doctorate degree programs in the Republic of Liberia. The Assessment Team comprised of the following: Professor Edward Lama Wonkeryor, PhD, Director General; Mr. Moses M. Kesselly, MPA, Deputy Director General for Quality Assurance and Compliance; Mr. S. Reginald Z. Mehnpaine, M. Ed., Deputy Director General for Planning, Research and Development; Professor Israel C. Obiasogu, PhD, Curriculum Expert; Dr. John K. Mulbah, Professor, A.M. Dogliotti College of Medicine, University of Liberia; Dr. Francis Nah Kateh, Chief Medical Officer, Republic of Liberia; Mrs. Paula D. Montgomery, Director, IAA/NCHE; J. Moses Tarkulah, Inspector General and DG’s Assistant; and G. Melvin Taydor, Director of Communications, NCHE. Having thoroughly reviewed the credentials and other documents submitted by the administration of the University of Liberia (UL) and conducted a verification assessment of the proposed facilitie to host the PhD programs of the University of Liberia, demonstrated the capacity to offer the proposed programs, except for renovating the facilities for the programs. The team therefore concluded that the University of Liberia could be granted accreditation to commence the proposed programs with several recommendations made to the UL's administration, in consideration of the guidelines established by the National Policy on Higher Education in Liberia:

That the University of Liberia is granted permit for elevation to offer PhD programs in the areas applied for;

That University of Liberia commences both PhD programs in the FQ building while it constructs additional structures befitting the doctoral programs;

Precisely, the buildings designated for the PhD programs should be adequately refurbished to accommodate quality of programs envisaged. The Harvey S. Firestone Building that is designated for the health programs should rather be rehabilitated to start both education and health science programs, while renovation of the graduate building is carried out;

The NCHE should be furnished with a copy of the University of Liberia’s sustainability plan for the PhD programs to enable the monitoring of implementation;

That the University of Liberia fulfills the foregoing actions and reports to the NCHE through the Department of Quality Assurance and Compliance for a follow-up verification before commencing the programs;

The University of Liberia remains engaged with the NCHE to ensure compliance with prescribed standards of program delivery at the institution.

Meanwhile, the Board of Commissioners accepted the NCHE’S recommendations and unanimously voted for the approval of UL's Doctoral programs.

Speaking further, Professor Wonkeryor used the occasion to welcome and thank members of the Board of Commissioners for their various pertinent roles played and continue to play in transforming higher education in Liberia as well as President George Manneh Weah for the opportunity given him to serve the country as Director General of the National Commission on Higher Education:

"I am indeed honored to welcome you all to this Final Meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE), during our tenure as head of the Secretariat -- Director General of the National Commission on Higher Education -- from September 2021 to the present. Of course, it is the established fact that we will involuntarily relinquish our individual official assignment this month, immediately following the inauguration of the new government. I am very much thankful to President Dr. George Manneh Weah for giving us the opportunity to serve our government and people in formulating and implementing policies that prudently affect higher education in the republic.

Moreover, Professor Wonkeryor briefly outlined his agenda, challenges, achievements, and visions as Director General of the NCHE over two years:

"Distinguished Commissioners, I came to the NCHE with a single agenda – to join and support you in what you have started doing in the sector. I came with a determined mind to collaborate with all the stakeholders in an effort to transform the higher education system of Liberia and to also make our output not only qualitative, but mainly competitive, among regional and continental peers. Our Turn Over Note, 2023, which we recently submitted to the President’s office explicates a vivid picture of the functionalities of the National Commission on Higher Education. Specifically, it captures the background, statutory mandates, organizational structure, achievements, challenges, and recommendations on the way forward".

In conclusion, the Director General and Commissioners thanked the Board Chairman, Minister D. Ansu Sonii, Sr. for his untiring efforts in making sure the right things are done as far as higher education is concerned.

Meanwhile, Liberia can now boast of two institutions -- Cuttington University and University of Liberia -- offering the PhD degrees.

Keep following our page for more trending updates from our Public Relations Division.

G. Melvin Taydor
Director of Communications/NCHE
Cell : 0886-211-384 or 0776-211384
WhatsApp: 0776-211384
Email: [email protected]

SEASON'S GREETINGS FROM THE NCHE

The Management and Staff of the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) convey season's greetings to His Excellency Dr. George Manneh Weah, president of the Republic of Liberia and commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Liberia; Chief Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor, vice president of Liberia; Amb. Joseph Nyumah Boakai and Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koon, president and vice president-elect, Republic of Liberia; First Lady Her Excellency Madam Clar Marie Weah; the Honorable Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives; the Honorable President Pro-Tempore and Members of the House of the Liberian Senate; the Honorable Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court; the Honorable Dean and Members of Cabinet; other Officials of Government; Members of the Diplomatic Corps; Presidents and Staff of Universities and Colleges; Citizens of Liberia; Religious Community; and Foreign Residents throughout the length and breadth of the nation.

As we celebrate this joyous Christmas, the National Commission on Higher Education encourages all Liberians and other nationalities residing in Liberia, to embrace love, peace and reconciliation as a hallmark for a unified Liberia. Love promotes and maintains peace, security, reconciliation and stability in the family as well as in the cultural and political landscape of any country, including Liberia. As we move into the New Year, 2024, we -- the management and staff of the National Commission on Higher Education -- assure the public, especially Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) of our untiring commitment in ascertaining that higher education institutions in Liberia meet international best standards, in providing equal and quality higher educational outputs for Liberians and other resident nationalities within our borders.

Again, the National Commission on Higher Education says "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" to all Liberians and our foreign residents.

Signed:
G. Melvin Taydor
Director of Communications
National Commission on Higher Education

Pictorials of NCHE Assessment Team and the Administration of UL at the campus of the main campus of the University of Liberia, Capitol Hill, Monrovia, to assess the University's PhD programs and facilities on Friday, December 22, 2023.

Team NCHE included:
Professor Dr. Edward Lama Wonkeryor, director general; Hon. S. Reginald Z. Mehnpaine, deputy director general for Planning, Research and Development; Hon. Moses M. Kesselly, deputy director general for Quality Assurance; Dr. Israel Obiasugu, special consultant; Dr. Francis M. Kateh, MOH; Prof. Soltu Mulbah, LCPS; Ms. Paula D. Montgomery, director of Internal Audit Agency assigned at NCHE; J. Moses Tarkulah, inspector general, Michael Wyhden, aide to DG and the Director of Communications, G. Melvin Taydor.

Members of Team UL were as follows:
Professor Dr. Julius Sarwolo Nelson, Jr., president, UL; Dr. Bernice Dahn, UL; Dr. Cecelia Cassell, UL; Dr. Anthony A. Karneh, UL; Dr. Joseph Younn, UL; Dr. Charles Gbollie, UL; Benetta Joko Tarr, UL; Dr. Harmon Gray, UL; Richard M. Pewee, UL; and George T. Wilson, UL.

NCHE OFFICIAL CALLS FOR REFORMING HIGHER EDUCATION FOR QUALITY DELIVERY IN LIBERIA”.

The Deputy Director General for Planning, Research and Development at the National Commission on Higher Education, Hon. S. Reginald Zunleh Mehnpaine, has called for “Reforming higher education for quality delivery in Liberia”. Speaking at the 19th graduation ceremony of Smythe University College on Friday, December 16, 2023, at the S.K.D. Sports Complex in Paynesville, the Commencement Guest speaker outlined several key areas for reformation, including faculty development, curriculum harmonization, improved learning environment, and modernized facilities, such as libraries, laboratories, and other materials.

According to Hon. Mehnpaine "The intent of the reform is to improve the quality of education outputs that are comparative and competitive in the regional and continental contexts; enable Liberian students to matriculate to other countries and perform to the levels of their compatriots; and capacitate graduates from higher education institutions in Liberia to compete and perform within international job circles.”

Outlining critical issues that challenge the higher education reform, the NCHE Planning boss pointed the following: a) shortage of qualified instructors to deliver planned educational objectives, b) weak foundation for early Learning, c) shortage of learning materials, d) challenging family environment; and e) inadequate support for regulatory activities.

Hon. Mehnpaine further underscored Government’s poor support to the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) to regulate, monitor, and evaluate the performances of colleges and universities in Liberia as a major challenge to the reformation of higher education in the country. “It is appalling to note that the NCHE, which is charged to regulate and oversee the activities of the colleges and universities in Liberia, runs an annual budget that cannot effectively handle its annual operational cost, covering monitoring and assessments of institutions”, Hon. Mehnpaine lamented. He continued, “As a further result of this budgetary limitation, the NCHE is dismally understaffed, thereby rendering it incapable to effectively implement its statutory duties”.

Providing the way forward for achieving the reform in higher education, Hon. Mehnpaine said this goal can only be possible with the full support of all Liberians and stakeholders together. According to the speaker, “the issue is a national goal that should attract all stakeholders in the country”. Specifically, the Government is required to lead the efforts at turning the foregoing challenges into opportunities in order to raise the standards of the Liberia higher education system and put it on par with other countries in the sub-region”.

The Deputy Director General for Planning, Research and Development maintained that, “if the higher education reform is to be a reality, the Government and its partners have to consider the following: a) increasing support to higher education and the NCHE through budgetary allocation, b) improving subsidies to faith-based and private institutions to enhance programming, c) providing support to faculty development, d) improving facilities such as libraries and laboratories, and e) providing attractive incentives to lecturers.” Mr. Mehnpaine noted that Government should also lend more support to institutions to conduct research for new innovations. “We are in a world of STEM; we are in the world of technology. As such, stakeholders and providers should support institutions to engage in creative and innovative programming. This is the reform we seek for Liberia”.

Moreover, Hon. Mehnpaine used the occasion to call on the incoming Government of Ambassador Joseph Nyuma Boakai, to prioritize higher education and provide adequate support to higher education through the National Commission on Higher Education. He also called on the Ministry of Finance & Development Planning, Ministry of Education, National Legislature, and other policy makers under the incoming Government to consider higher education as the level where the real actors of economic change and societal development, including, medical doctors, architects, engineers, agriculturists, nurses, teachers, and technicians, are prepared. “This level, therefore, needs adequate budgetary support towards enhancing its reform process. It is time for Liberia to get along with our compatriots in the sub region, and the way to do it is to invest more in higher education. Higher education reform is indeed a must”, he noted.

Speaking to the graduates, the guest speaker urged them to work harder for a brighter future. He noted: “As you walk out of Smythe University College today, I admonish you to continue to seek excellence and move forward in your educational sojourn. If you have to achieve success, let the sky be your limit. In your pursuit for advancement and successful future, remember you will require such tools as humility, honesty, dedication, innovation, trust, diligence, and respect for your fellowmen to drive you to your cherished goal.”

In conclusion, the Guest speaker, appreciated the Board of Trustees and Management of the Smythe University College for inviting him to speak at the splendid occasion, and he assured them of NCHE’s unwavering support in whatever way possible to move the higher education transformation agenda forward. “You can count on the NCHE, as we are open to collaborate and work together to lift the quality of higher education in Liberia”. He concluded.

Keep following our page for more trending updates from the Public Relations Division of the NCHE.

G. Melvin Taydor
Director of Communications/NCHE
Contact: 0776211384
WhatsApp: 0886211384
Email: [email protected]

With a heavy heart, the NCHE family regrets to announce the death of one of our employees in Tawah Tunu Coleman, Receptionist, NCHE. According to family member, Ms. Coleman passed out last night at her home in Kesselly Boulevard after a protractive illness. It is so sad, heartbreaking and a blow to the NCHE family and her family as well!

R.I.P. Tawah 😢 😭

On behalf of the Management and staff of the National Commission on Higher Education, Happy birthday to you both, Mr. James G. Tuayen, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), NCHE, and Mr. Michael T. Wyhden, Special Aide to DG/NCHE. Best of everything on your natal days. Sorry for the late post due to technical reasons.

Pictorials of Professor Dr. Edward Lama Wonkeryor, director general, National Commission on Higher Education along with his Deputy Director General for Planning, Research and Development, Hon. S. Reginald Z. Mehnpaine, and Deputy Director General for Quality Assurance, Hon. Moses M. Kesselly, Liana Gertsch, chief of party, TESTS, Dr. Mator M.F. Kpangbai, technical director, TESTS and Technical Working Group of Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs and Provosts (TWGVPAAP) of universities and colleges in Liberia, in a Meeting to Present Criteria for Awarding Honor and Distinction at Colleges and Universities in Liberia at the ongoing USAID TESTS Semester Four (4) Faculty and Leadership Professional Development Training for Early Childhood and Primary Education Associate and Bachelor's Degree Programs, held on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at the Boulevard Palace Hotel, 13th Street, Tubman Boulevard, Sinkor-Monrovia. Meeting chaired by Dr. Glory Baysah, vice president for academic affairs, Adventist University of West Africa (AUWA) and Dr. Morlu Korsor, Vice president for academic affairs, Lofa University College, chairperson and secretary of the TWGVPAAP respectively.

Keep following our page for trending updates from our Public Relations Division.

G. Melvin Taydor
Director of Communications
National Commission on Higher Education
Cell #: 0886-211-384 or 0776-211384
Email: [email protected]

NCHE BOSS URGES RECIPIENTS AND BENEFICIARIES OF USAID-TESTS LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM TO APPLY THE “LAW OF READINESS”.

The Director General of the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) Professor Dr. Edward Lama Wonkeryor, urged recipients and beneficiaries of USAID-TESTS leadership training program to apply the “law of readiness”. Making remarks at the opening session of the Five days of USAID TESTS Higher Education Training Institution Semester Four Faculty and Leadership Professional Development Training for Early Childhood and Primary Education Associate and Bachelor's Degree Programs at the Boulevard Palace Hotel, 13th Street, Tubman Boulevard, Sinkor-Monrovia, on Monday, December 4, 2023, the Director General called on participants to make use of the opportunity provided to them by the American government and people:

“I want to urge all the recipients and beneficiaries of this leadership training program to make maximum use of it to achieve the intended goals. Let us apply the “law of readiness”. In all that the USAID/TESTS is doing for us, if we are not ready to improve, it will be a waste of resources and efforts! Let us remind ourselves and apply the philosophy that says “Nothing for us without us”. It is our expectation that by the end of this project, our Early Childhood Education and Primary Education would have reached an appreciable level.

Appreciating the efforts of the donors, Professor Wonkeryor thanked the government and people of the United States of America, and USAID for the tremendous support provided to the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE), to improve the quality of teachers’ instructional delivery in Liberia's Early Childhood Education and Primary Education programs.

Moreover, Professor Wonkeryor giving the significance of the workshop, said, “TESTS has developed this leadership training to assist the College of Education administrators and faculty members as they help their students in pursuing Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education and Primary Education to succeed on their learning journeys -- from enrollment to demonstration school performance to graduation. He noted, “This is a great milestone”!

In conclusion, Professor Wonkeryor appreciated the people and government of the United States of America and USAID for the overwhelming support to the Early Childhood and Primary Education in Liberia. “On behalf of the government of Liberia, the Honorable Chairman of the NCHE Board of Commissioners, Professor Dr. D. Ansu Sonii, Sr., and in my own name as the Director General of the National Commission on Higher Education, once again, we say a big thank you to the people and government of the United States of America and USAID for this great initiative”!

At the same time, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023--Day 2--of the five days training workshop, the Technical Director of TESTS, Dr. Martor Kpaingbai made a tour at various sessions of the training with the Director General, along with his deputy director generals. During the tour, Professor Wonkeryor encouraged participants to make great use of the opportunity given to them in their various capacities as teacherss, Deans and VPAAs, among others.

Keep following our page for more trending updates from the Public Relations Division of the NCHE.

G. Melvin Taydor
Director of Communications/NCHE
Contact: +231-886211384/776211384
Email: [email protected]

Professor Edward Lama Wonkeryor Served as the 2023 Convocation Speaker of BlueCrest University Liberia

The Director General of the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) Professor Dr. Edward Lama Wonkeryor served as the 2023 Convocation Speaker of BlueCrest University Liberia. The former President of Nimba and Tubman Universities began by commending the administration of the institution for such great efforts to contribute to Higher Education in Liberia. Recognizing BluestCrest’s contributions towards Higher Education in the Sub-Region, the NCHE's Boss applauded the institution for their immense, significant contribution towards Higher Education. “For example, from July 30 to August 5, 2023, we visited BlueCrest University in Ghana and saw the great work they do there”!
Quoting Willie Bee Tangbao, Jr., a Liberian youth and the leading Digital Rights Activist and Former Lecturer at BlueCrest University College, “Liberia is struggling with a significant digital divide that has an impact on both its educational system and its ability to thrive economically.” He said, “digital divide refers to the disparity between persons or groups who have access to modern technology and those who do not. Due to the high expenses of purchasing and maintaining technology, the digital gap is pervasive in many developing nations.” Professor Wonkeryor further contends that, “Low literacy rates and poor infrastructure in Liberia further contribute to the country’s digital divide. A thorough strategy that would boost access to technology, develop digital literacy, and offer technical support is needed to solve the digital gap in Liberia.” Dr. Wonkeryor noted that there is no doubt therefore that the programs being proffered at BlueCrest University College are very relevant to the technological needs of Liberia.
He further stated that the Digital Economy for Africa (DE4A) Initiative forms part of the World Bank Group’s support for the African Union’s Digital Moonshot for Africa, which aspires to see every African individual, business, and government digitally enabled by 2030. According to Dr. Wonkeryor, the DE4A Initiative is underpinned by five principles according to the Convocation Speaker as follows: 1. Comprehensive: Taking an ecosystem approach to digital economy development that looks at both supply and demand and defies a narrow approach in defining the elements and foundations that make up the digital economy.
2. Transformative: Aiming at a very different scale of ambition beyond incremental ‘islands’ of success.
3. Inclusive: Recognizing that the digital economy is for ‘everyone, in every place, and at all times’ as well as creating equal access to opportunities and dealing with risks of exclusion.
4. Homegrown: Supporting solutions anchored in the local context and unleashing the African spirit of enterprise to support more homegrown digital content and solutions.
5. Collaborative: Dealing with the digital economy requires a more flexible mindset, including collaboration among countries, across sectors as well as between public and private players.

Dr. Wonkeryor explained that for a successful and inclusive digital economy, African countries need to support the development of the key foundational building blocks. Also, quoting the World Bank Group, Professor Wonkeryor outlined five foundational elements, which are closely interlinked and synergistic. They include:
Digital Infrastructure which provides the means for people, businesses, and governments to get online and link with local and global digital services, thus connecting them to the global digital economy. High-quality and affordable Internet connectivity is a critical foundational component of the digital economy;
Digital Platforms - offer products and services, accessible through digital channels, such as mobile devices, computers, and the Internet. They facilitate digital exchange and transactions, enabling producers and users to create value by interacting with each other. Governments, for example, operate digital platforms to offer citizen-facing government services and share information. Commercial firms and non-profit foundations also operate digital platforms to offer a growing array of products, services, and information;
Digital Financial Services enable individuals and businesses to conduct transactions electronically and open a pathway to a range of digital financial services in addition to digital payments, including credit, savings, and insurance. Access to affordable and appropriate digital financial services is critical for the participation of individuals and businesses in the digital economy;
Digital Entrepreneurship and Innovation create an ecosystem that helps bring the digital economy to life, by spurring new, growth-oriented ventures, products, and services that leverage technology. By enabling the transformation of existing businesses, digital entrepreneurship: contributes to net employment growth and helps enhance competitiveness and productivity;
Digital Skills equip a digitally savvy workforce to build robust digital economies and competitive markets. Digital skills are technology skills, together with business skills for building or running a start-up or enterprise. Greater digital literacy enhances the adoption and use of digital products and services among the larger population.
In reference to the five foundational elements, Dr. Wonkeryor said, “there is need for a though review of the curriculum being offered to students in this institution and other Higher Education institutions in Liberia to meet with present-day reality”.
Moreover, the Director General of the NCHE and the 2023 Convocation Speaker of BluestCrest University Liberia, Professor Wonkeryor called on the graduates to see their graduation day a special occasion in the history of their lives; a day of celebration to recognize their hard work, dedication, and achievements.
In conclusion, Dr. Wonkeryor congratulated the graduates for their hard work over the years. “Congratulations to you! You make Liberia proud, and we feel excited to have educated and prepared people like you to be better fitted for the 21st-century dynamically evolving job market. “
He said,
Your hard work, determination, and perseverance have paid off, and you have earned your degrees. As you leave BlueCrest today, you enter the University of the Universe! I encourage you to embrace new challenges and meet them with strength and courage. Remember that the skills and knowledge you have gained are valuable assets that will serve you well in all areas of your life. I urge you to use the knowledge and skills you have gained to make a lasting positive impact on the people around you, and Liberia at large. Make the change you want to see in the world, and always strive to make a difference in the lives of others. Congratulations once again and may God continue to bless us, Professor Dr. Edward Lama Wonkeryor concluded.

Keep following our pages for more trending development from our Public Relations Division!

G. Melvin Taydor
Director of Communications
National Commission on Higher Education
Cell #: 0886-21138407762-211384
Email: [email protected]

On behalf of the Management and staff of the National Commission on Higher Education, Happy birthday to you, Varney Passawe Maipeh, Security, NCHE. Best of everything on your natal day.

On behalf of the Management and staff of the National Commission on Higher Education, Happy birthday to you, Ms. Leemu I. Allison, Accountant, NCHE. Best of everything on your natal day.