Nimba County—Universities across Liberia are appealing to the government of Liberia for financial assistance to ensure they continue operating effectively. These institutions, particularly faith-based universities, stress that their contributions to the education sector are pivotal in helping the government provide quality education for its citizens.
By: Franklin Doloquee, [email protected]
Several higher learning institutions, including the African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU), United Methodist University (UMU), and the Catholic-run Stella Maris Polytechnic, have expressed their struggles with financial constraints.
They argue that by supporting them, the government can significantly boost its efforts to develop Liberia’s education sector and prepare future leaders.
Speaking to FrontPage Africa, AMEU President Dr. Alvin E. Attah highlighted the ongoing financial difficulties that institutions like his face.
He recalled that between 2017 and 2019, universities received some government financial support. However, that assistance has since ceased, exacerbating the challenges they face.
“Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have not received any budgetary allotment from the government, and this has made it difficult for us to sustain operations,” said Dr. Attah.
He emphasized that financial support for private and faith-based institutions would greatly benefit the nation’s educational framework.
Dr. Attah also expressed hope that the recently concluded three-day National Education Stakeholders Retreat, organized by the National Legislature, would yield positive results for universities across the country.
“We hope this retreat will impact the education sector positively, especially in addressing the financial challenges that many institutions, including ours, are facing,” he added.
The AMEU president reiterated that while the government holds primary responsibility for educating its citizens, the involvement of private and faith-based institutions provides significant relief and support.
He mentioned that while budgetary allotments had been made for his institution, they were allegedly removed without explanation.
During the event, representatives from several universities and tertiary institutions, including the Booker Washington Institute (BWI), the Seventh-day Adventist University, AMEU, and the African Methodist Episcopal Zion University (AMEZU), presented their financial difficulties.
They pointed out several key issues, such as limited transportation options and the high costs of maintaining electricity.
Rosalind Y.T. Doe, Vice President for Administration at Stella Maris Polytechnic, disclosed that her institution spent over $38,000 USD on electricity generation.
She joined other university leaders in urging the government to provide financial aid. Doe further noted that if supported, Stella Maris Polytechnic could increase its agricultural activities, which would not only help combat food shortages in the country but also enhance the university’s educational contributions.
In a symbolic gesture of collaboration, the administration of Stella Maris Polytechnic presented agricultural products from their department to Sinoe County District #1 Representative Thomas Romeo Quioh, who chairs the House Standing Committee on Education.
Rep. Quioh expressed his gratitude for the donation and pledged his commitment to improving the country’s education sector.
“As the representative of District #1 in Sinoe County, I am committed to extending our efforts in education to other parts of the country. We will work closely with these institutions to ensure we boost their impact,” Rep. Quioh stated.
