Monrovia – The House of Representatives has unanimously passed a bill seeking to repeal the 2015 Act incorporating the Bong County Technical College (BCTC), and to establish in lieu of the Bong County University (BCU).
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
The decision was taken by the plenary of the House of Representatives sitting in its 16th day of the second session of the second quarter of the 55th Legislature on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
According to our legislative reporter at the House, the Plenary decision followed the submission of a report from the joint committees on Education, Public Administration and Judiciary.
In its report, the joint committee disclosed it had a public hearing with all stakeholders in the educational sector including the Ministry of Education, the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) and the Administration of the Bong County Technical College.
The committee’s report also highlighted the elevation of the Bong County Technical College to a fully accredited public university, thereby expanding higher education capacity and education delivery and regional development in central Liberia.
The report further revealed that during the committee’s hearing, the proposed bill enjoyed overwhelming support from the local committee.
It states that the BCTC has demonstrated academic maturity and regional relevance over the years and as such, it was imperative for the legislature to endorse the committee’s report and forward the same to the senate for concurrence.
The committee indicated that with proper safeguard, swift implantation, and adequate funding, the bill has the potential to bring long term education and academic benefits to the people of Bong and its Neighboring counties.
The landmark bill, which has since been welcomed by majority lawmakers of the Lower Chambers of the Liberian Legislature, is being sponsored and introduced by Bong County Electoral District #4 Representative, Robert Flomo Womba.
The proposed legislation, if passed into law following concurrence by the Liberian Senate, the BCU will have the leverage to offer baccalaureate degrees in different disciplines.
A Step Toward National Educational Equity
The bill’s preamble highlights the constitutional right to education and frames the establishment of the university as a strategic national investment in human capital, especially in central Liberia.
Bong County, which produces over 2,000 high school graduates annually from its 41 high schools, is described as an ideal location to host a national university due to its central position and growing student population.
“The creation of Bong County University will address the pressing need for access to quality higher education for young people across Bong and surrounding counties,” Rep. Womba stated during the presentation of the bill.
Governance and Charter Provisions
The proposed Act lays out a comprehensive governance framework, establishing a 15-member Board of Trustees to oversee the institution with the President of Liberia, as Visitor of the University, to nominate the President of the BCU, subject to Board’s approval.
Key members of the Board will include representatives from the Legislature, alumni association, partners’ institutions such as ArcelorMittal, the Ministry of Education, and other stakeholders. The Board will be responsible for all major decisions, including policy formulation, budget approval, staff appointments, academic standards, and degree conferrals.
The proposed university will be composed of several colleges, including: College of Agriculture and Forestry, College of Business and Public Administration, College of Science, Technology and Geosciences, College of Liberal Arts and Education, College of Natural Sciences and College of Health Sciences.
As indicated in the proposed Act, additional colleges may be added upon approval by the Board of Trustees and the Visitor.
Financial Backbone and Tax Exemptions
As per the proposed Act, BCU is proposed to be financially sustained through a combination of public and private funding sources. These include allocations from the Government of Liberia, tuition fees, philanthropic donations, and a legally mandated 25% share of Bong County’s Social Development Fund (SDF) from concessionaires like Mittal Steel and China Union.
Additionally, the university would benefit from full tax and duty exemptions under Liberian law, enhancing its ability to invest in infrastructure, academic resources, and human development.
Accountability and Oversight
The bill emphasizes transparency and accountability through structured reporting and auditing systems.
When elevated, the President of BCU would be required to submit quarterly and annual reports to the Board of Trustees, and all financial activities must align with Board-approved budgets and procedures.
Senate’s Concurrence Needed
Accordingly, with the passage of the Bill by the House, it now requires concurrence by the Liberian Senate for full passage into law.
And if concurred with by the Upper House (Liberian Senate), the BCU would take effect immediately upon publication into a Handbill by the President to officially replace BCTC and mark the birth of a new national academic institution.
Ahead of the Senate’s action, many Liberians have expressed their support for the passage of what they believe is the ‘Act for the people.’
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