By H Matthew Turry
MONROVIA – As part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring academic excellence, transparency, and accountability, the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) says it will commence a rigorous nationwide inspection of higher education institutions as of today Monday, November 25, 2024 in Montserrado County.
Speaking at a press conference over the weekend, NCHE Executive Director Dr. Edward Lama Wonkeryor said the exercise aligns with the NCHE mission’s to enhance the quality of higher education, strengthen institutional governance, and uphold the credibility of the degrees and certifications issued by institutions in the country.
According to Dr. Wonkeryor, the exercise falls squarely within the matrix of the Government’s ARREST Agenda.
Further explaining the purpose of the inspection, Dr Wonkeryor said the exercise will focus on key areas like academic programs to ensure that programs are accredited, align with national and international standards, and meet market demands.
“The process will look at institutional governance by reviewing leadership structures, policies, and compliance with regulatory requirements,” he noted, adding that the exercise will also include the assessment of faculty and staff qualifications, as well as the availability and capacity of academic and administrative staff.
Apart from assessing the human resource capacities of tertiary institutions, Dr. Wonkeryor said the process will entail infrastructural evaluation; to include evaluating facilities such as libraries, laboratories, and classrooms to ensure they support effective democratic learning.
“On Student Services, we will be reviewing support services, such as counseling, career development, and accommodations.
The NCHE boss told journalists that the exercise will cover all public and private universities and colleges, operating within the geopolitical regions of Liberia.
“The process will be conducted transparently, with the involvement of independent experts and representatives from key stakeholders,” the NCHE boss averred.
According to him, institutions that meet or exceed standards will be duly acknowledged, and recommendations for improvement will be made to institutions requiring adjustments.
“Non-compliant institutions will face appropriate measures, which may include suspension of operations until compliance is achieved or complete closure,” he disclosed.
He urged all higher education institutions to fully cooperate with their inspection team, stating, “this process is not intended to be punitive but rather to promote growth, excellence, and public trust in our higher education system.
“A detailed schedule and list of inspection teams will be published on our social media platforms immediately,” he noted.
The NCHE Executive Director cautioned by saying, “Stakeholders, including students, parents, and faculty, are encouraged to report any concerns or observations to the NCHE,” noting that the future of Liberia depends significantly on the quality of education the government provides its citizens.
“The inspection represents our collective responsibility to ensure that our education system is a source of pride and a driver of national development. We count on the support and cooperation of all stakeholders as we embark on this transformative journey,” Dr. Wonkeryor emphasized.