Students Under The Defrunct TEST Project Call For Full Degree Sponsorship

By Abraham K. Kollie, kollieabraham23@gmail.com

KAKATA, Liberia–In a dramatic turn of events that has brought relief to hundreds of stranded education students, the Liberian government through the Ministry of Education has intervened to secure the academic future of beneficiaries of the now defunct USAID Transforming the Education System for Teachers (TEST) project.

The intervention comes after the sudden global end of USAID’s operations left over 300 students at Cuttington University Junior College in Kakata uncertain about their graduation, scheduled for June 27, 2026.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony, students from the Department of Education publicly acknowledged the government’s swift action through the Ministry of Education and the administration of Cuttington University for their commitment to supporting quality education.

Elvis Gono, a beneficiary of the USAID program, expressed deep gratitude to the Liberian government and President Joseph Boakai for lifting what he described as “a barrier that students could not handle.”

“We extend heartfelt thanks to the Minister of Education and President Amb. Joseph Boakai for bringing relief to students desiring to pursue quality education,” Gono said. “This intervention has restored hope for hundreds of us across the country, especially in the education sector.”

Gono, a seasoned Liberian journalist, also praised Rev. Father Terry Quoi, Associate Vice President of Cuttington Junior College, and the government for restoring hope for the affected students.

But the students are not stopping at gratitude. Gono has called on the government to extend sponsorship for USAID beneficiaries to obtain full Bachelor of Science degrees in primary and early childhood education.

“Liberia is struggling to restructure its education sector, and primary and early childhood education is the foundation,” Gono emphasized. “We urge the government to ensure we complete not just our associate degrees but full bachelor’s programs.”

 Background: Government’s Emergency Intervention

The Liberian government, through a strategic partnership with the World Bank, has begun a major intervention to secure the education of hundreds of students left in limbo by USAID’s withdrawal.

At a briefing in Kakata recently, Liberia Assistant Minister for Teacher Education, Mr. Cliford Konah, outlined the government’s plan, committing to covering ongoing financial obligations for affected students. The World Bank is 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.

A verification team began work on Monday, February 2, 2026, visiting campuses to register beneficiaries. The exercise has already been completed at Nimba University, Cuttington Junior College in Kakata, and Cuttington University main campus in Suakoko, 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 or 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.

For past semesters, students benefiting from the USAID TEST project struggled to access midterm and final examinations at different campuses across higher institutions of learning. The government’s intervention has brought an end to that uncertainty.

 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.