Gbarnga (LINA) – As part of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s commitment to meeting the demands of students at the Bong County Technical College (BCTC) in Gbarnga, the administration of the college has announced immediate reduction in its tuition and other fees.
BCTC Vice President for Administration, Richard Sondah, told the Liberia News Agency Wednesday, the cost of course credit has reduced from US$6 to US$5, while registration has fees have also been reduced from US$110 to US$75.
Sondah noted that the decision was taken in keeping with President Sirleaf’s pledge to the students during her visit to Bong County in June this year when she assured them of her administration’s commitment to improving the learning environment at the College and making education affordable for all.
Sondah said in line with the President’s pledged to the students, the administration has also taken other administrative decisions to enhance the school operations such as the expansion of the library to host over 50 students at a time.
The BCTC official disclosed that construction works on the science laboratory and other components of the college’s facility are nearing completion.
Following weeks of student protest at the BCTC, President Sirleaf in June temporarily closed the college and promised the students to appoint a President to steer the affairs of the college and to take some administrative decisions to meet their demands.
In line with the promises, the Liberian leader recently appointed Dr. Charles Mulbah as acting President of the college, who upon his appointment announced the resumption of registration.
The registration begins November 10, while classes will start on Monday, November 20.
Dr. Mulbah told LINA that his first priority is to ensure the re-opening of the college to enable the students get back in school while he consults with the Board of Trustees and the county leadership to ensure the smooth operation of the college.
President Sirleaf closed the college in June this year following a series of protest actions by the students against the Interim Management Team headed by Dr. Roland Massaquoi.
The students had protested on grounds that the Interim Management Team was not doing enough to improve the condition at the college, complaining of the lack of an up-to-date library and science laboratory, among others.