PHOTO: Prof. Ansu Sonii, Education Minister
By Augustine Octavius, augustineoctavius@gmail.com
The National Commission on Higher Education has officially launched the new policies for licensing of institutions wishing to conduct post secondary education and training in the country.
The policies were launched at a well-attended ceremony in Monrovia recently and graced by stakeholders in the higher education and training, heads of colleges and the legislative committees on education among others.
Speaking at the launch, Education Minister, Dr. Ansu Sonii, said the new policies separate licensing, accreditation and set standards for the opening of institution of higher learning and training Liberia.
Officials at the launch of the higher education ceremony
According to him, the National Commission on Higher Education will as from now work with professional establishments in order in determine the accreditation of training institutions.
“This is document will determine the difference in terms of a beginner , an accredited, and a full fledge institutions of higher so as to standardize the curriculums of the fields of studies,” he said; adding : “ this process is in conformity with international best practice and processes aimed at accrediting high institutions in the West African sub region and the rest of the global community,” said Professor Sonii.
“Currently,”the Education Minister went on , “there are about 49 higher institutions of higher learning; therefore, this measure is necessary so as to put in place a check point that will regulate process and bring up standards purposely to meet our rules set by our peers in the West African region.”
In remarks, the Deputy Director for Quality Assurance at the National Commission on Higher Education, Reverend James Lablah said the new policies among others things must ensure that the institution has a budget , administrative and instructional structures as well as board.
Rev. Lablah pointed out that the institution will display its constitution, student hand book and point out the importance for the course and field it is offering to the students and job market the country.
The current commissioners of the board of the National Commission on Higher Education have realized that there is a need to set standards for licensing and accreditation of higher institutions in Liberia, the National Commission on Higher Education official explained.
“As a result, the new policies for licensing and accreditation were developed so as to set standards for the establishment for higher institutions that will graduate students equipped with knowledge and skills that are needed for nation building and provide employment in the increasing number of concession companies coming in the country,” Rev. Lablah said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the House’s Committee on Education, Representative Johnson Gwaikolo, assured the National Commission on Higher Education of the fullest support of the House in order for the Commission to be empowered to fully carry out its statutory responsibilities.
He encouraged the leadership at the commission to always liaise with House’s Committee on Education on time, in order to be able lobby with colleagues for an increment in the allotment in the national budget
For his part, Senator Prince Johnson, who spoke on behalf of the Liberian Senate at the launching ceremony, praised the National Commission on Higher Education for the launch of the new policies on the establishment of college in Liberia.
He promised the fullest cooperation of the Liberian senate on the implementation of the new policies in the country.
Sen. Johnson, who is the proprietor of the PYJ Community College in Gnata, Nimba County, said the forum has afforded him the opportunity to hear of for himself on what should be done by the administration of the college he is establishing.
The program held under the theme: “Promoting Quality and Higher Education Opportunities in Liberia,”, was graced by presidents , representatives and administrators of 49 colleges and universities from all over the country.