MOE Makes Policy Pronouncements Towards Next Academic Year -Graduation Fees, Annual Calendar, Other Updates Released

By Lincoln Dalieh

MONROVIA – The Ministry of Education has made a number of pronouncements regarding its activities and academic policies as schools are expected to hold graduations and readying themselves for the 2024/2025 school year.

During the regular MICAT Press Briefing Tuesday, 06 August 2024, Education Minister Jarso Maley Jallah. addressed public apprehensions regarding high fees for graduations amid harsh economic conditions prevailing in the country.

According to the Minister, it still maintains that graduation fees remain in compliance with guidelines.

Minister Jallah, speaking during the press briefing, announced significant updates aimed at enhancing the educational landscape of Liberia, updates that included the enforcement of graduation public, private or faith base schools, registration dates, approved annual fees, and new initiatives to improve educational outcomes.

Regarding graduation fees, the Minister said in compliance with established guidelines, and stakeholders’ consultations, it has maintained that public or government schools charge not more than L$5,000 per graduate while private school charge for graduation must not be above US$ $100.

“Any school in violation will be subjected to stringent penalties. These penalties will range from fines, revoking operational permits or closure,” the Minister warned.

Minister Jallah also announced that registration and resumption date for academic 2024-2025 year for all schools across the republic of Liberia commence on August 1, 2024, and will continue until August 31, 2024.

Classes are officially scheduled to resume on September 2, 2024 marking the beginning of a promising new academic year for education stakeholders throughout the country, she said.

On annual public schools’ registration fees, the MOE reaffirmed its continued efforts to provide quality education while maintaining affordability. In the vein, the Ministry said early childhood fee is L$3,500.00; grades 1-6, L$1000; grades 7-9, L$2000 and grades 10-12, L$3,000.

“These fees are designed to ensure that our education system remains accessible to all while providing the necessary resources for a conducive learning environment,” the she indicated said.

“All registration fees will remain with the school and be used directly for their operational needs. No fees transfer to the ministry via mobile money payment for all government schools,” the Minister Jallah said further, adding: “However, strict measures will be implemented to ensure accountability in the use of these funds. Assessment of flexibility fees charged to students     during the national examination period is a violation of allowable fees.”

Enrolment Drive Campaign

She said as part of its commitment in executing Government’s Arrest Agenda underscored in pillar 3 “Human capacity development”, section 3.1.2, which specifies the plan to increase enrolment drive, there will be a campaign under the Theme “Back to my classroom” scheduled for August 9th, 2024 at 12:00 pm.

The initiative will initially cover seven counties, identified to have low school enrolment in 2003-2024 academic year – Gbarpolu, Bomi, Grand Bassa, River Cess, River Gee, Grand Gedeh and Sinoe.

This initiative is slated to be an annual event, the MOE said, with plan to expand progressively to all counties.

“National enrolment drive committee consisting of education stakeholders has been convened to execute child in Liberia has access to educational opportunities,” the ministry further announced,

Operational permits school

While an overhaul of the school permitting process is to commence shortly, the ministry said it will maintain the current process.

“The annual operation fees to be paid per school is based on the tuition fees charged per student,” the Ministry added, meaning that “one student’s tuition fee is equivalent to the annual fee due.

“The department of instruction under the leadership of the deputy minister of instruction is the only department responsible for executing the permitting process,” the Ministry said.

National Youth service program

According the Ministry, a National Youth Service Program was launched on August 1st 2024, with a technical working group to work towards the implementation of the program.

The program is aimed at fostering the value of service responsibility, patriotism and a deep sense of national pride and duty, the ministry noted, “focused on the growth and development of our nation’s youth” and with emphasis on civic responsibilities that provide them with the skills and opportunities necessary for their future sources.

“This initiative is being led by students’ personal services, under the leadership of assistant Minister Sona Traore Sesay,” the Ministry said.

The Ministry also spoke of profiling of volunteers, teachers and staff, which is its commitment in ensuring quality education across the Liberian school system.

“The Ministry of Education is set to commence a Nationwide Volunteer Teachers and Staff profiling,” the MOE announced. “We are committed to ensuring educators in our classrooms are adequately credentialed and the requisite skills and abilities for providing instruction and education service.”