By Tokpa M. Tarnue
VOINJAMA, Liberia— The Liberian Board for Nursing and Midwifery (LBNM) has ended a two-day intensive institutional assessment of the Free Pentecostal University in Voinjama, Lofa County.
This is part of efforts that will lead to the accreditation of the university’s Health Sciences Department to offer a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Nursing.
The assessment visit brought together officials of the Nursing and Midwifery Board including authorities and students of the Free Pentecostal University to evaluate the institution’s readiness to provide undergraduate nursing education in line with national standards.
The assessment has examined key areas including academic facilities, teaching and learning resources, faculty qualifications, curriculum, clinical training arrangements, library resources, administrative structures, and other requirements for the operation of a BSc nursing program.
The Liberian Board for Nursing and Midwifery is mandated to regulate nursing and midwifery education and practice in Liberia and accredits institutions and programs that meet established national requirements.
Speaking to the media at the university’s campus, the President of the university, Pastor Dorbor M. Akoi expressed optimism that the process could pave the way for the Health Sciences Department to expand its academic offerings and provide opportunities for students in Lofa County and surrounding areas to pursue professional nursing education at the bachelor’s degree level.
If approved, the proposed BSc nursing program would represent a significant development for the Free Pentecostal University and could contribute to increasing access to higher-level nursing education in northern Liberia.
Lofa County currently has nursing education institutions offering different levels of training, while the LBNM’s accredited-school listing includes institutions authorized to offer BSc nursing programs in Liberia.
“This potential accreditation would further strengthen the institution’s Health Sciences Department and support our broader commitment to producing qualified health professionals capable of contributing to Liberia’s healthcare system” President Akoi stated.
The assessment, however, does not by itself constitute final accreditation. The university will have to satisfy the requirements established by the Board, with the final decision depending on the outcome of the regulatory assessment and the institution’s compliance with applicable standards.
The development has generated optimism among students, faculty members, and community stakeholders, particularly those who believe that the introduction of a BSc nursing program at the university could reduce the need for students from Lofa and neighbouring counties to travel to other parts of Liberia to pursue degree-level nursing education.
President Dorbor M. Akoi also expressed gratitude to the dean and staff of the health science college and that of the administration in general for their meaningful contributions towards the success of the assessment visit.
The Free Pentecostal University located in Voinjama is the first ever oldest higher institution of learning in Lofa County but is yet to benefit from central government’s subsidy despite several engagements with both local and national government officials.