Nationwide Verification Drive Ensures Scholars Can Complete Degrees, As Gov’t Absorbs Funding Responsibilities
By Abraham K. Kollie, kollieabraham23@gmail.com
KAKATA, Liberia-The Liberian government through the ministry of Education has begun a major intervention to secure the education of hundreds of students left in limbo by the sudden global end of USAID’s operations.
USAID is the United States Agency for International Development.
Through a strategic partnership with the World Bank, the Ministry of Education is conducting an urgent nationwide headcount to identify and support scholars formerly sponsored under the USAID Transforming the Education System for Teachers (TEST) project.
The move aims to prevent students on the cusp of graduation from being stranded by the withdrawal of international funds.
For past semesters Students benefiting from the USAID Test project have struggled to access Midterm, and final from different campus at higher institutions of learning.
A Safety Net for Scholars
At a briefing in Kakata recently, Liberia Assistant Minister for Teacher Education, Mr. Cliford Konah, outlined the government of Liberia plan as he committed to covering the ongoing financial obligations for the affected students, with the World Bank providing critical support for specific costs, including graduation fees for final-year scholars.
“The government aims to support these students, many of whom are on the verge of completing their studies,” Mr. Konah stated.
He emphasized that this intervention is a special project separate from the regular national scholarship program.
Verification Exercise Underway
A verification team began work on Monday, February 2, 2026 by visiting campuses to register beneficiaries.
The exercise has already been processed with students at Nimba University in Nimba Cuttington Junior College in Kakata and Cuttington University main campus in Saukoko Bong County.
The team is now en route to Lofa University, with subsequent visits scheduled for LICOSESS College of Education, Grand Bassa University, and the University of Liberia. All former TEST project students are urged to present themselves for verification at their institutions.
Support Extends Regionally
The intervention also has an international component. Minister Konah confirmed that the program has already provided support covering airfare, transport, and accommodation for Ten students pursuing specialized studies in Ghana and Nigeria.
Relief Replaces Uncertainty
The announcement has been met with relief and praise on campus. Rev. Father Terry Quoi, Associate Vice President of Cuttington Junior College, commended the government’s swift action.
“I am excited because this is more than a dream come true,” Father Quoi said. “We cannot have an informed society without educated persons.”
Students echoed this sentiment. “This is like a dream come true,” shared one scholar, reflecting the surprise and gratitude of many who were unaware of the contingency plan until the verification process began.
Looking Ahead
While managing this emergency intervention, the Ministry of Education is also finalizing the list of successful candidates from the latest government local scholarship examinations, which is due for publication soon.
The partnership between the Liberian government and the World Bank marks a decisive step to stabilize the educational trajectory of the nation’s future teachers and professionals amid shifting international aid landscapes.