PHOTO: Dr. Jarso Jallah, Minister of Education addressing the Information Ministry press briefing on Tuesday
By Aruna Goepogui
MONROVIA, Liberia–The Education Ministry has identified the digitization of school operating permits as a major reform aimed at improving transparency, accountability and monitoring of educational institutions across Liberia.
Speaking at the Information Ministry’s regular press briefing on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Education Minister, Dr. Jarso Jallah said the previous paper-based permit system lacked transparency and made it difficult for the ministry to maintain accurate records of schools operating across the country.
According to Minister Jallah, under the new digital system, private schools are required to apply online for operating permits, with applications processed through both county and central-level structure.
She disclosed that the ministry has identified instances in which some schools claiming to operate at multiple educational levels submitted lists of teachers whose qualifications did not correspond with the requirements for those levels.
Dr. Jallah stressed that schools without valid operational permits are not authorized to enroll students or function as educational institutions.
She therefore, urged all schools operating without valid permits to apply for the required authorization to ensure compliance with national education regulations.
Meanwhile, the Liberian Education Minister disclosed that the Ministry of Education has completed school-quality assessments in five counties and has mapped schools using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology.
She said the initiative has enabled the ministry to identify schools that were previously operating outside its effective monitoring system.
According to Dr. Jallah, development partners are providing financial support to expand the school assessment and mapping exercise to an additional 10 counties.
The Education Minister disclosed that the Liberian government has provided funding to renovate public schools across the country that are currently in deplorable condition.
She said the renovation initiative forms part of broader government efforts to improve the learning environment and strengthen the quality of education in Liberia.