Monrovia — The House of Representatives is expected to question the Minister of Education, Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah, the Superintendent of the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), Dr. Augurie Stevens, and the leadership of the MCSS Teachers Association over the prolonged shutdown of public schools in Monrovia and its environs.

By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway

The appearance, scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, follows growing concerns over the continued disruption of academic activities more than a month after schools reopened for the new academic year.

The House’s decision came during its sitting last Thursday after Montserrado County District #16 Representative Dixon W. Seboe raised concerns about the standoff between MCSS teachers and the government, warning that the continued closure of schools threatens the education and welfare of thousands of students.

Lawmakers unanimously agreed to summon the education authorities and the teachers’ association leadership to explain the dispute, the status of negotiations, and the measures being taken to restore normal academic activities.

Rep. Seboe described the prolonged shutdown as “worrisome,” urging the House to intervene before the disruption causes further harm to students and their families.

Speaking to reporters after the session, the lawmaker stressed that the continued absence of teachers from classrooms demands urgent attention and accountability from all parties involved.

He said the appearance would give lawmakers an opportunity to establish the facts surrounding the dispute, hear the respective positions of the government and teachers, and identify a path toward reopening the affected schools.

Teachers Demand Superintendent’s Resignation

The latest development follows a directive by MCSS Teachers Association President Augustine N. Nyormui, who called on students to stay away from their campuses and instructed teachers, security personnel, education workers, and cleaners to remain off school premises until their outstanding demands are addressed.

Speaking at a press conference in Monrovia, Nyormui maintained that teachers would not return to the classrooms until MCSS Superintendent Dr. Augurie Stevens resigns.

The demand has intensified the standoff, leaving students in several schools without regular instruction despite the reopening of the academic year.

The prolonged disruption has reportedly frustrated students, with some considering protests over their inability to receive lessons.

The dispute has raised broader concerns about the ability of education authorities and teachers’ representatives to resolve their differences while safeguarding students’ right to education.

Lawmakers Seek Answers

In his communication to the House, Rep. Seboe noted that nearly a month had elapsed since the opening of the academic year without a clear indication that the dispute had been resolved or that teachers were prepared to resume classes.

He warned that continued interruptions could have lasting consequences for students, parents, teachers, and Liberia’s already challenged education system.

The lawmaker urged the House to exercise its constitutional oversight responsibility by bringing the relevant stakeholders before the plenary to explain their positions and outline concrete steps toward resolving the impasse.

During Tuesday’s engagement, Superintendent Stevens is expected to explain the administrative situation within the MCSS and respond to concerns raised by teachers.

Education Minister Jallah is expected to present the government’s position, provide an update on negotiations, and outline efforts to restore normal academic activities.

Meanwhile, the MCSS Teachers Association leadership is expected to detail the teachers’ outstanding demands and clarify the conditions it considers necessary for their return to the classrooms.

Rep. Seboe said the engagement would allow lawmakers to hear directly from all sides, establish the facts, and encourage a peaceful and timely resolution in the interest of affected students.

“The appearance will provide us, the people’s deputies, with further insight into the ongoing disagreement and the prospects for reopening schools across the MCSS. As I said, this shutdown is worrisome,” he said.

The outcome of Tuesday’s engagement could prove critical in determining whether the parties can reach an agreement to reopen schools and prevent further disruption to the academic year.

Monrovia — Youth Entrepreneurship and Investment Bank Management Company (YEIB-MANCO) Chief Executive Officer Joseph Fatorma Sando has challenged Liberian graduates to turn their education into entrepreneurial opportunities, practical solutions and meaningful service to their communities.

By Patience Jones

Sando said academic qualifications alone were insufficient to guarantee success, urging young people to apply their knowledge to address societal challenges, create opportunities and contribute to Liberia’s development.

He made the call on Saturday, October 17, when he delivered the keynote address at the graduation and closing ceremony of St. James Foundation Elementary, Junior and Senior High School in Peace Community, Upper Caldwell, Montserrado County. More than 50 students graduated from the institution.

Speaking on the theme “Beyond the Diploma,” Sando outlined five principles he said should guide the graduates as they transition from secondary education to higher learning, entrepreneurship and professional life: continuous learning, integrity, problem-solving, resilience and community service.

Education Must Translate Into Impact

Sando told the graduates that completing high school should mark the beginning of a lifelong commitment to learning, rather than the end of their educational journey.

He encouraged them to cultivate the habit of reading, acquiring new skills and pursuing excellence in whatever careers they choose.

“The world is fast-changing, and only those who remain curious and committed to excellence will remain relevant,” he said, urging the graduates to make excellence a defining feature of their work.

Whether pursuing careers in medicine, teaching, business, agriculture or other fields, he said, young people should strive to perform their responsibilities to the highest standard.

The YEIB-MANCO chief executive also emphasized integrity, warning that academic certificates without good character could undermine a person’s prospects for lasting success.

He urged the graduates to remain honest and trustworthy, even when doing so becomes difficult or unpopular, arguing that integrity builds the trust necessary for personal and professional advancement.

‘Be a Solution, Not a Problem’

Sando challenged the Class of 2026 to become problem-solvers who identify challenges in their communities and develop practical responses.

He said Liberia needs young people who can use their education and creativity to address local problems instead of merely complaining about them.

According to him, communities across the country face challenges that require innovation, initiative and the active participation of educated young people.

He also cautioned the graduates against allowing setbacks and disappointments to derail their ambitions.

Acknowledging that life after high school would present difficulties, Sando encouraged them to develop resilience, remain determined and continue pursuing their goals despite rejection or failure.

“You will be disappointed, you will fail at times, you will be rejected, but never surrender,” he said, stressing that the ability to recover from setbacks is essential to achieving long-term goals.

Calls for Community Service and Entrepreneurship

Sando further urged the graduates to embrace entrepreneurship, discipline and patriotism, emphasizing that education should benefit not only individuals but also the wider society.

He encouraged them to give back to Peace Community, Upper Caldwell, and Liberia through volunteering, mentoring younger people and participating in community development initiatives.

He said the value of education should also be measured by how graduates use their knowledge and skills to improve the lives of others.

Sando added that Liberia’s development depends partly on a generation of young people who are skilled, ethical, innovative and willing to serve their country.

School Honors Sando for Support to Students

In recognition of his contributions to the institution and its students, the administration and faculty of St. James Foundation Elementary, Junior and Senior High School presented Sando with an academic gown during a special ceremony.

The presentation, which was met with applause from parents, students and community leaders, was conducted by the school’s principal and senior faculty members.

The administration described Sando as a supportive partner and friend of the institution, citing his financial, moral, spiritual and academic assistance to students, particularly children from less privileged backgrounds in Peace Community.

School officials said his continued involvement and encouragement had contributed to efforts to support the education and development of young Liberians.

Responding to the honor, Sando expressed gratitude to the administration and faculty, describing the recognition as humbling and motivating.

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting education and youth empowerment in Liberia.

The ceremony brought together parents, teachers, community leaders, and other well-wishers to celebrate the graduates’ achievements and encourage them as they prepare for the next stage of their lives.

The program concluded with the presentation of certificates and awards to students recognized for academic performance and good conduct. The class valedictorian delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the graduating class.

YEKEPA, Nimba County — The ArcelorMittal School System in Yekepa celebrated the graduation of forty-one students, all of whom passed the 2025/2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

By Franklin Doloquee

The graduation ceremony drew representatives from ArcelorMittal Liberia, the Superintendent of the ArcelorMittal School System, officials from the Ministry of Education and the Nimba County School System, administrators, principals, teachers, parents and guardians, members of the Board of Directors and residents of the Yekepa Community.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Ministry of Education and the Nimba County School System, Nimba County Education Officer, Francis G. Leagay,  described the occasion as a great honor and privilege.

He said the day was meant not only to motivate the graduates but to celebrate their hard work, discipline, perseverance, sacrifice and achievement.

“To the graduates, I say congratulations! You have made yourselves, your parents, your teachers, your school, Yekepa  and Nimba County proud,” Leagay said, calling the 100 percent WASSCE pass rate a remarkable achievement and a strong foundation for the future.

Leagay reminded the graduates that their certificates represent more than academic success; they are proof that the students set goals, stayed committed, overcame challenges and completed an important chapter of their education.

He cautioned that high school graduation is not the end of the journey but the beginning of greater responsibility.

“The world beyond this school gate will demand more from you. It will demand discipline when nobody is watching. It will demand honesty when dishonesty appears easier. It will demand courage when circumstances become difficult. It will demand humility when you achieve success,” Leagay told the graduates.

In a message titled: “Dream Beyond Your Circumstances,” he urged graduates not to let their current situation determine the size of their dreams.

“You are graduating from Yekepa, but your dreams should not stop at Yekepa. You can compete nationally, regionally  and internationally,” the education officer said.

He encouraged those who cannot immediately afford university to pursue scholarships, vocational training, professional courses, or apprenticeships instead of abandoning their ambitions.

Leagay also urged graduates to be a light in their communities: inspire others as students, work with integrity as professionals, respect the law as citizens, listen as leaders, create opportunities as entrepreneurs, and return to help build the community that raised them.

On character, he warned: “Your certificates may open doors, but your character will determine what happens after the doors open. Protect your name. Protect your integrity. Respect your parents. Respect your teachers. Respect one another. Respect the laws of Liberia. Avoid shortcuts that compromise your future.”

Leagay extended special congratulations to parents and guardians, calling them the hidden heroes behind the graduates’ success. “Behind every successful graduate is a story of sacrifice. Some of you sacrificed financially, some sacrificed comfort, some encouraged your children when they wanted to give up, some prayed for them, some traveled long distances to ensure they remained in school. Today, your sacrifices have produced a beautiful result,” he said.He also commended the teachers and school administration, noting that the graduates’ success reflected instruction, preparation, supervision, discipline, mentorship, and commitment.

ArcelorMittal Liberia was recognized for its role in supporting education and human capital development in Yekepa and the wider Nimba community. Leagay encouraged continued collaboration among ArcelorMittal Liberia, the Ministry of Education, the Nimba County School System, school leadership, parents and communities to ensure quality education.

In closing, he reminded the graduates that Liberia and Nimba look to their generation for responsibility and service. “We need graduates who will not only ask, ‘What can Liberia do for me?’ but will also ask, ‘What can I do for Liberia?’ That question can transform a generation,” he said.

The ceremony ended with prayers for the graduates and a charge to go forward with confidence, character, and purpose. Also speaking, ArcelorMittal School System Principal, Juwle E. Kumeh,  pledged that his administration and teaching staff will continue to support students and sustain strong public exam performance.

He noted last year’s strong pass rate and expressed confidence in achieving similar success moving forward.

Pastor Miracle C. Tarley, head of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), thanked ArcelorMittal Liberia for its continued investment in education and urged the company to consider providing opportunities for top-performing graduates to study abroad as an added advantage for Liberia’s future leaders.

YEKEPA, Nimba County — ArcelorMittal High School in Yekepa, Nimba County, has recorded a 100 percent pass rate in this year’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), with all 41 candidates successfully passing the examination.

The achievement was celebrated Friday, October 16, during the school’s 19th graduation ceremony, where 41 senior high school students received their certificates at a colourful ceremony attended by education officials, school administrators, parents and representatives of ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML).

The school, fully funded by the mining company, provides educational opportunities for children of hundreds of workers and other residents in and around the Yekepa concession area. It is regarded as one of Nimba County’s leading high schools, supported by qualified teachers and modern learning facilities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Nimba County Education Officer Francis Leagay praised the school for its performance, describing the 100 percent pass rate as a remarkable achievement that placed it among the county’s top-performing schools.

“Results of the WASSCE administered by the West African Examinations Council revealed a 100 percent pass rate for students of ArcelorMittal High School, a remarkable record that places the school at the top of all schools in Nimba County,” Leagay said.

He noted that the strong performance of ArcelorMittal High School and other schools had made graduation ceremonies possible this year, unlike the previous year, when widespread examination failures prevented similar celebrations.

Leagay attributed the achievement to the students’ discipline, commitment and dedication to their studies, adding that the results brought pride to both ArcelorMittal Liberia and Nimba County.

He urged the graduates not to become complacent after obtaining their high school diplomas, encouraging them to pursue tertiary education and remain committed to academic excellence.

The county education officer also commended AML management and the school administration for investing in quality education, while acknowledging parents and guardians for the moral and financial support they provided throughout the students’ academic journey.

Principal Credits Success to Quality Education

Presenting the graduates, ArcelorMittal High School Principal Juwle Kumeh dismissed any suggestion that the school’s outstanding performance resulted from improper practices, insisting that the achievement reflected hard work, institutional commitment and the effective use of available resources.

Kumeh credited the results to the dedication of teachers, AML management’s investment in education and the school’s focus on providing students with the resources needed to succeed.

He also challenged school administrators, education authorities and teachers to discourage the practice of charging what he described as “flexibility fees” and instead prioritize educational materials and resources that directly benefit students.

According to Kumeh, the school recruits qualified teachers with bachelor’s degrees in their respective subject areas, follows Liberia’s revised national curriculum and provides textbooks aligned with the WASSCE syllabus.

He said these measures help prepare students for national examinations while strengthening the quality of instruction and learning.

AML Announces School Renovations

Charlesetta Peters, Head of the Department of Social Services, also recognized the contribution of teachers, describing their role in shaping students’ academic performance and future prospects as central to the achievement being celebrated.

She said the graduates’ success reflected the combined efforts of the teachers, school administration, parents and the company.

Peters further disclosed that schools operated by ArcelorMittal Liberia would undergo full renovation and be furnished during the coming budget year, a move expected to improve the learning environment for students.

The announcement signals the company’s continued investment in education in communities surrounding its mining operations.

Located in Yekepa, ArcelorMittal High School is part of the company’s education support system, which provides schooling for children of employees and residents in the concession area.

The 41 graduates’ performance marks a significant milestone for the institution and highlights the role that sustained investment in qualified teachers, relevant learning materials and school infrastructure can play in improving educational outcomes.

MONROVIA – The Rotary Club of Monrovia on Friday, October 16  presented the renovated Barchue Community Primary School in Oldest Congo Town to community leaders and education stakeholders.

By Patience M. Jones 

The project was carried out in partnership with the parent company of Brussels Airlines. Before the work began, the school had leaking roofs, damaged ceilings and walls, rainwater getting into classrooms, and poor sanitation facilities.

The renovation covered roof repairs, fresh paint in the classrooms, improved student furniture and blackboards and rehabilitated latrines, along with water and handwashing facilities.

Residents say they could not have paid for the work themselves. Providing the overview and also the welcome remarks at the ceremony, Rotarian Betti Sambola, the club’s Service Project Chair, said the project grew out of an assessment to find a community need where the club could leave a lasting mark.

Rotarians had already visited the school during their 2025 back-to-school project, when they gave supplies to students. Later assessments showed the building needed far more than that, so the club chose a broader renovation over piecemeal help.

Sambola said community members took part in the work, which also drew on local labor.

Rotary Club President Rotarian Robert E. Smallwood in his special statement said the project was done in partnership with the parent company of Brussels Airlines and the community.

The work included a new roof, interior and exterior painting, new benches and blackboards, renovated latrines, and water and handwashing facilities.

Rotarian Robert E. Smallwood narrated that the school was identified by Service Project Chair Betti Sambola, who visited several communities in search of a project fitting this year’s Rotary theme, “Creating Lasting Impact.”

He said the club chose a full renovation over a single item such as chairs or paint. Rotary members contributed their own money, he added, though he declined to give figures. “This is your school,” Smallwood told residents. He said maintenance and using the building for its intended purpose are all Rotary asks in return.

He also said the club acts without seeking personal benefit, political office or publicity. Beyond the renovation, Smallwood said the real return on the investment is giving students a chance to learn in a better environment.

He said Rotary has six clubs in Liberia, each carrying out projects in its own community. On October 24, all Rotarians will take part in polio eradication activities, including a march, painting and a “sip and pin” event open to the public.

Giving remark of acceptance, Community Chairman Joseph Mulbah Kerlie II said the community had no funds for the repairs and did not apply for or request any assistance.

“It was purely the working of the Almighty God,” he said, likening the Rotary Club’s intervention to ravens that supplied the Prophet Elijah.

He also thanked the Commissioner of Congo Town for his consistent support, noting that the Commissioner donated concrete blocks, cement, copy books and stationery to the school during a visit made in the Chairman’s absence.

Kerlie said the campus had been in poor condition, with water seeping in during the rainy season, dilapidated ceilings and worn-out zinc. He said the renovation now gives children a conducive learning environment.

He urged teachers and school administrators to act as custodians of the facility by keeping it tidy and promptly reporting any problems. He also expressed confidence that the improved condition would help boost enrollment, which he said had dropped last year partly because of the school’s state.

The Chairman described the renovation as something the community could not have afforded on its own and expressed hope for future assistance from the Rotary Club.

For his part, the Commissioner of the Township of Oldest Congo Town,  Edward Horton Lahai, praised Rotary for investing in a public school and called the project an example of how civic organizations can contribute to national development. Citizens, he said, should not see government as the only party responsible for every public need.

Individuals, community leaders and private organizations all have a part to play, he said, and he encouraged businesses and individuals with resources to support similar projects.

He also urged residents to value the help they receive and protect it. The renovation does not remove the need for public investment in education. It shows how community partnerships can work alongside broader efforts to improve public facilities.

The club says more work remains at the school. The renovation is one stage in a continuing effort, not a final fix for every need. Its lasting value will depend on what happens after the handover: administrators maintaining the classrooms and latrines and residents spotting problems early and protecting what has been built.

Mining giant ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has certified 22 employees following a week-long Train-the-Facilitator programme in Buchanan, marking a transition toward an employee-led approach to delivering its shop floor leadership training across the company’s mining and logistics operations.

The initiative prepares internal facilitators to independently deliver AML’s Shopfloor Programme, equipping frontline supervisors with the leadership, safety and management skills needed to improve workplace performance and support the company’s long-term operational goals.

The training focuses on two core frameworks: the 3D Shopfloor Enhancement Programme, which emphasizes Driving Results, Developing People and Doing Things Right, including safety, and the 4D Shopfloor Management Programme, which introduces the Delivering Value approach for supervisors with broader managerial responsibilities.

The programme began with 13 Human Resources staff members in the first week. Nine additional employees, identified as potential trainers based on their performance in previous training cohorts, joined the second week for a combined session. Together, the 22 participants were prepared to deliver the curriculum to employees across AML’s operations.

The certification builds on a rollout that began with a pilot in September 2025. Between November 2025 and September 2026, AML conducted 13 training cohorts in Yekepa and Buchanan, reaching more than 400 employees in partnership with Kenya-based Lantern Training.

During the rollout, participants were encouraged to apply lessons from the workshops to their daily responsibilities. The programme has supported improvements in cross-team communication, daily work planning, conflict management and proactive safety leadership, helping supervisors strengthen coordination and decision-making at their work sites.

To support continued delivery, AML has developed a Train-the-Facilitator Guide containing instructional frameworks, practical activities and detailed delivery notes. The guide provides a consistent structure for training while allowing internal facilitators to incorporate their own operational experiences and practical knowledge into the sessions.

By developing its own pool of qualified facilitators, AML is strengthening the capacity of Liberian employees to lead workplace learning and share practical management skills with colleagues. The approach is also expected to reduce long-term dependence on external trainers and make leadership development more accessible as the company’s operations expand.

The initiative reinforces AML’s investment in workforce development, particularly the skills needed by frontline supervisors to manage teams effectively, maintain high safety standards and improve operational performance.

Through internal knowledge-sharing and continuous training, the company aims to build a stronger leadership culture that supports both employee growth and the long-term development of its Liberian operations.

Monrovia — The President of the Tappita District University and College Students Association (TADUCSA), Effort N. Karr, has called on the University of Liberia administration to urgently resume academic activities, proposing online classes and the use of the Fendall campus to prevent further disruption to students’ education.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh

In a press statement issued Tuesday, October 13, Karr appealed to University of Liberia President Dr. Layli Maparyan and her administration to introduce alternative learning arrangements while renovation work continues at the university’s main campus.

The appeal comes amid the suspension of academic activities at the University of Liberia following strike actions by the University of Liberia Faculty and Staff Association over staff and faculty benefits and concerns about the institution’s deplorable conditions.

It is not yet clear whether the demands for faculty and staff benefits that prompted the strike have been addressed. Meanwhile, renovation work has commenced at the university’s Capitol Hill campus, leaving students awaiting clarity on when academic activities will resume.

The disruption has left students waiting for classes to resume, raising concerns about potential delays to academic calendars, graduation plans and future opportunities.

Karr, who represents students from Tappita Statutory District in Nimba County attending tertiary institutions across Liberia, said the university’s infrastructure improvements were necessary but should not bring academic activities to a complete standstill when alternative arrangements could be made.

“Our position is clear: Renovation should improve the university, not unnecessarily suspend the education of its students,” Karr said.

He noted that while several other universities across Liberia had commenced academic activities, University of Liberia students remained uncertain about when regular classes would resume.

According to him, the administration should consider practical measures that would allow students to continue their education without waiting for renovation work to be completed.

Proposes Online Classes, Fendall Campus

Karr outlined three recommendations he believes could help minimize the disruption.

First, he called on the administration to introduce online classes for students assigned to the main campus, where renovation work is ongoing. He argued that virtual learning would allow students to continue their academic programs while physical improvements proceed.

Second, he urged the university to consider resuming regular in-person classes at its Fendall campus, provided the necessary facilities and learning conditions are available.

The proposal, he said, would allow students who can be accommodated at Fendall to return to classrooms rather than remain idle during the interruption.

Third, Karr called for the administration to communicate a clear reopening plan, including a timeline for the resumption of academic activities and arrangements to ensure equitable access to learning opportunities for students at both campuses.

He said clear communication would help students plan their academic and personal lives while reducing uncertainty surrounding the university’s operations.

Warns of Consequences for Students

The TADUCSA president said prolonged delays in the resumption of classes could have significant consequences for students who have invested time, money and personal sacrifices in pursuing higher education.

He emphasized that students’ educational aspirations should remain central to decisions concerning the university’s operations, particularly when disruptions threaten to extend their time in school.

“Students invest their time, financial resources, and aspirations in their education,” Karr said, warning that prolonged delays could affect academic calendars, graduation plans and future opportunities.

He acknowledged the importance of infrastructural development, noting that improved facilities are essential to creating a better learning environment. However, he argued that renovation and academic activities should be coordinated to avoid unnecessary interruptions.

For students, the concern extends beyond the temporary closure of classrooms to the uncertainty surrounding when they will be able to return and how the interruption might affect their academic progress.

Karr said the administration could address these concerns through responsible planning, constructive dialogue and practical arrangements that allow learning to continue while renovation work is underway.

Calls for Constructive Engagement

Karr stressed that his appeal was not intended to criticize the university administration but to draw attention to the difficulties students are facing.

He urged Maparyan and the relevant authorities to give the proposals serious consideration and take appropriate steps toward reopening academic activities.

“As a student leader, I believe that constructive dialogue, responsible leadership, and practical planning can help address this challenge in the best interest of the student population,” he said.

The Tappita District University and College Students Association brings together students from Tappita Statutory District who are pursuing tertiary education at institutions across Liberia. A significant number of its members attend the University of Liberia, making the disruption particularly consequential for the association’s constituency.

Karr said the association remained committed to advocating for quality education and student welfare, expressing hope that the administration would respond positively to the appeal.

His proposed measures offer possible alternatives to a prolonged suspension of academic activities, although their implementation would depend on the university’s capacity to support online instruction, the readiness of the Fendall campus and decisions by the administration.

The immediate challenge for the university is to address the concerns that prompted the faculty and staff strike while determining how best to restore academic activities and minimize further disruption to students.

For Karr and the students he represents, the central message is that infrastructure improvements and uninterrupted learning should not be treated as competing priorities.

“Education must continue, even while development is taking place,” he said.

Monrovia – A 15-year-old aspiring lawyer has become the first recipient of a memorial scholarship honoring the late Hon. Sylvester “Greg” Grigsby, the veteran Liberian diplomat and two-time Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, who would have turned 76 today.

The College of West Africa Global Alumni Association (CWAGAA) Scholarship Committee has named Fatima Beautiful Prodita Geebah the inaugural recipient of the CWA Global Scholars Award through the Sylvester M. Grigsby Scholarship. The announcement was made today, October 15, Grigsby’s birthday, a date his family chose deliberately for the scholarship’s annual public announcement.

A Young Scholar Who Saw Herself in His Values

Fatima enters the 10th grade at the College of West Africa this academic year, joining CWA from Star International School. According to the Scholarship Committee, she aspires to become a lawyer and an advocate for justice, particularly on behalf of those who are disadvantaged and underserved.

The Committee said what made her especially compelling was “the meaningful connection she expressed to Hon. Grigsby’s life and values.” In her application essay, Fatima reflected on his commitment to integrity, honesty, accountability, public service, and love of country. She wrote that true leadership should not be viewed as a position of privilege, but as a responsibility to safeguard the public trust, an ideal she hopes to carry into her own future service to Liberia.

She also wrote that excellence cannot be achieved through shortcuts, and described education as an essential step toward gaining the knowledge and qualifications needed to serve Liberia effectively through public service and community development.

“We are especially pleased that the inaugural recipient of this memorial scholarship is a young woman who not only recognizes Hon. Grigsby’s distinguished legacy, but also sees in his example values she hopes to embody in her own life,” the CWAGAA Scholarship Committee said. “We look forward to supporting Fatima throughout her journey as a CWA Global Scholar.”

A Scholarship Built on His Own Story

The Sylvester Mondubue Grigsby Scholarship was established by his wife, Cleopatra Dudley Grigsby, and daughters, Diana  Grigsby and Scheagbe Mayumi “Umi” Grigsby, Esq., following his death on August 9, 2025. It is administered by CWAGAA in partnership with the College of West Africa, where Grigsby graduated with the Class of 1969.

The family said the award is intended for students with ability and will who should never have to leave school because of fees. Recipients are selected by the CWAGAA Scholarship Committee on the basis of financial need, character and service to others, and academic promise. Awards are paid directly to the school and are designed to follow the student through to graduation.

The cause is a personal one. Born October 15, 1950, in Sinoe County, Grigsby went from CWA to Cuttington University College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1973. On a Japanese government scholarship, he became the first Liberian to attend the University of Tsukuba in Japan, earning a Master of Science in Economics in 1979.

“Before he was a diplomat, before he was a Minister, before he was any of the titles the world gave him, he was a boy walking through the gates of the College of West Africa on Ashmun Street,” the family said. “CWA made him. He believed that one of the surest ways to change a country was to put a child in a classroom and keep that child there.”

More Than Four Decades of Service

Grigsby served Liberia for more than forty years across multiple administrations. He was Liberia’s Ambassador to Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the European Union, and the ACP Secretariat from 1992 to 1995, and later served as Deputy and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs. Under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, he served as Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Chief of Staff from 2015 to 2018. In January 2024, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai appointed him Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, the post he held until his passing.

He was a Knight Commander of the Most Venerable Order of the Pioneers and a recipient of the Great Band of the Order of the Star of Africa. Outside government, he founded the Sunrise Group in 1984, the publisher of SUNRISe Magazine, SUNTIMEs, and SUN Newspapers.

Those who knew him remember a man who lived by the Adinkra wisdom Gye Nyame, “Except for God,” and who believed in showing up for the people he loved.

Supporting the Fund

The family thanked CWAGAA, the CWA administration, and the classmates, colleagues, and friends who have contributed in Grigsby’s name. Contributions in any amount are pooled into the fund to keep more Liberian students in school, and can be made through the CWA Global Alumni Association at cwaglobalaa.org/scholarship, noting “Sylvester M. Grigsby Scholarship.”

“God willing, he will live on in a classroom on Ashmun Street,” the family said, “in a young Liberian who may never meet him, but who will finish school because he was here.”

MONROVIA – The Administrative Assistant to   Deputy Labour Minister for Manpower, Planning and Human Resource Development, Blama Allison, has called for more support and expansion of free and compulsory primary education for Liberian children while the Government of Liberia(GoL) is making every effort to revive  the Liberian  Educational System through the ARREST AGENDA.   

By Augustus D.R Bortue@frontpageafricaliberia on line.com

Speaking on behalf of his boss, Deputy Labour Minister for Manpower, Planning and Human Resource Development,  Steven S. Kolubah,  at  the 2025/2026 Graduation  Program of the St.  Samuel High School on Saturday, October 10 at the main campus of the school on Center Street, Monrovia, Administrative Assistant Allison called  on parents to assess the least available resources and opportunities in their range to educate every child with outmost guidance and inspiration.

Speaking on the theme: “Support Education”, he stated, ‘‘Let us leave no child at home. Don’t see education as an expensive process. See it  as an investment. Know that you are only spending around 10% of what you will benefit when your child or children become educated.’’

He then admonished  the school administrators and teachers to make every effort to provide quality education to  Liberian children and to try as best as possible to tailor learning materials to concepts that will prepare the  students to face innovation and compete with other students around the world.

‘’Teach for skills and cognitive development and not for the exams,’’ the Labour Ministry official challenged the teachers of the St. Samuel High School.

Administrative Assistant Allison closed by speaking to the graduates and students. He said there is so much excitement and happiness  they are feeling now from the efforts  they have been making, saying ‘‘I know some of those efforts did not come happily. ‘’

‘‘At some points, the cane/rattan took you along. At some other points, you walked in my shoes, walking long distances to school on empty stomach and you had no lunch time because there was no lunch to eat, ‘’  the government official asserted.

He urged the graduates  to be a support to themselves even if support around them cease to come.

‘‘This journey you have undertaken will payoff but it requires frantic efforts. It will make you a complete being. Education will define how you make decisions that will distinguish you from those who lack it. Keep going, keep striving, and keep moving on. The pen, through God’s divine blessings will make the difference,’’ he added.

For his part, His Grace, Archbishop Dr. Victor  Moses  Olasemojo, Provincial  Head-Church of the Lord ALADURA-Liberia, Chairman -Board of Trustees/ALADURA SCHOOL SYSTEM, congratulated the St. Samuel High School Students  for successfully  graduating  from the school and urged them  that as they leave the  school,  they should  serve well and  be good ambassadors.

Bishop  Olasemojo told the graduates  that the families and the younger ones   are  looking up to  them and they are  expecting some responsibilities that have to be  carried out by  them.  

‘’Always keep God first and all shall be well. Congratulations again. God bless you,’’  he said.  

SANNIQUELLIE, Nimba County — A planned donation of solar lights and a Starlink Internet Package was blocked Friday, October 9 after student militants from the Students Liberation Party (SLP), the sitting

By Franklin Doloquee

student government at Nimba University, prevented Senator Nya D. Twayen Jr. from entering the campus.

Senator Twayen arrived from Bong County, where he had visited Bong University, carrying the equipment at the request of the incoming student leadership, the SUP-PROSA Alliance.

The SUP-PROSA slate said the donation was intended to bolster campus lighting and improve internet access for students who rely on limited campus connectivity.

Tensions flared when SLP members, citing a lack of formal notification, erected roadblocks at the main entrance and refused to allow the senator’s vehicle onto campus.

Protesters said the visit disrespected the sitting student government and amounted to coordination with an un-inaugurated leadership that has not yet formally assumed office.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of heightened frustration and nervous energy on campus. Dozens of students gathered near the entrance under cloudy skies as a handful of SLP Militants stood shoulder-to-shoulder across the driveway. Several students waved placards and chanted phrases demanding protocol be respected, while others filmed the standoff on mobile phones.

Campus security officers remained on the perimeter; university administrators were in Monrovia at the time, according to witnesses.

Senator Twayen spent more than an hour negotiating with the protesting students and student leaders, attempting to explain that the donation had been requested by the incoming representatives.

He repeatedly asked permission to deliver the materials, offering to leave them with neutral campus staff if SLP wished. When talks failed to produce an agreement, the senator left without delivering the equipment and turned his vehicle toward Ganta.

SLP officials told reporters they remain the recognized student government until a formal handover is completed and that proper protocol  including written notification and coordination with sitting officers  must be observed for any external actor seeking access to campus.

An SLP spokesperson said the action was intended to defend student governance and ensure transparency in engagements with lawmakers and donors.

Supporters of SUP-PROSA countered that the delay was harming students by preventing urgently needed improvements to campus infrastructure.

One SUP-PROSA member said the solar lights would increase safety at night and the Starlink unit would provide reliable internet for assignments and remote learning sessions, particularly in areas of the campus where connectivity is sporadic.

University administrators said they have launched an investigation into the incident and promised to release findings once verified.

In a statement, the university appealed for calm and confirmed that counseling and other support services are available to students affected by the episode. Officials also said they were coordinating with campus security and where appropriate, local law-enforcement.

Senator Twayen urged university leaders not to punish any student who may have been involved in the confrontation. Speaking both as a member of the university community and as a lawmaker pushing for increased budgetary support for Nimba University, he emphasized protecting vulnerable students while the probe continues. It was unclear whether he would return to complete the donation pending the inquiry’s outcome.

The incident underlines rising tensions around the student leadership transition at Nimba University, where disagreements over communication, protocol and the timing of handovers have spilled into public view.

The university serves a large and diverse student body from across Nimba County and beyond; improvements to lighting and internet access have been long-standing requests from students and faculty.

Several students said they were concerned about transparency and demanded regular updates from the administration and county education authorities.

“We need clear information about who is responsible and how decisions are made on campus,” one second-year student said. “This isn’t just about lights or internet  it’s about trust.”

Campus security reported increased patrols in the hours after the standoff, and small groups of students remained gathered in common areas, discussing the events.

Some faculty members called for mediation between the competing student factions and for the university to set firm procedures for external donations and official handovers.

Observers noted that Senator Twayen’s role as an advocate for the university’s funding could affect how the administration responds to the dispute.

Local education advocates warned that prolonged politicization of campus affairs could delay needed infrastructure upgrades and harm student welfare.