Draft Bill Introduced To Enhance Tertiary Education Leadership in Liberia
PHOTO: Dr. George Wah Williams, Director of Global Programs and Policy, EDDEIN
Monrovia, Liberia – The Educational Development Innovations – EDDEIN has announced that it has forwarded to the Liberian Senate a draft Bill titled, the “Public Tertiary Institution Leadership Autonomy Act of 2025.”
In a press release issued at the weekend (January 10, 2025) the draft Bill is being introduced to enhance tertiary education leadership in Liberia.
This groundbreaking legislation aims to revolutionize the selection and appointment process for leaders of public tertiary institutions in Liberia, prioritizing meritocracy and depoliticizing the process for enhanced educational outcomes.
The current system of appointing leaders in public universities and colleges often suffers from undue political influence, hindering the selection of the most qualified individuals. The “Public Tertiary Institution Leadership Autonomy Act of 2025” seeks to address this critical issue by:
- Establishing Independent Search Committees:The Act proposes the formation of independent search committees comprising esteemed academics, industry leaders, and representatives from relevant professional bodies. These committees will be responsible for conducting rigorous searches and evaluating candidates based on their qualifications, experience, and vision for the institution.
- Transparent and Merit-Based Selection Criteria:The Act will outline clear and transparent selection criteria, emphasizing academic credentials, research accomplishments, leadership experience, and a demonstrated commitment to academic excellence.
- Enhanced Accountability and Spur Innovation & Performance:The Act will establish performance-based evaluation mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of appointed leaders. This will ensure that leaders are held accountable for their performance and contribute to the overall growth and development of their respective institutions.
- Protection from Political Interference:The Act will provide legal safeguards to protect appointed leaders from undue political pressure and interference, allowing them to focus on their core responsibilities of academic leadership and institutional development.
“This legislation represents a critical step towards improving the quality of higher education in Liberia,” stated EDDEIN’s Director of Global Programs and Policy, Dr. George Wah Williams. “By depoliticizing the selection process and empowering independent search committees, we can ensure that the most qualified individuals are appointed to lead our public tertiary institutions. This will ultimately benefit students, faculty, and the nation as a whole.”
EDDEIN urges all stakeholders, including legislators, educators, students, and the general public, to carefully review the draft bill and provide their valuable input. We believe that the “Public Tertiary Institution Leadership Autonomy Act of 2025” has the potential to transform higher education in Liberia and contribute to a brighter future for the nation.