Liberia education sector faces training standard violations and teacher shortages

Liberia is facing significant challenges within its education sector, ranging from substandard teacher training to classroom disruptions. Investigations have revealed that at least two institutions, LICOSESS College of Education and the Liberia Standard Teacher Training College, are offering nine-month “C” Certificate programs. This contradicts the Ministry of Education’s 18-month pre-service standard for new teachers, though shorter programs are permitted for upgrading experienced educators.

The Ministry of Education has acknowledged weaknesses in its oversight, including inadequate monitoring logistics and a lack of a synchronized system for tracking teacher credentials and professional development. This lack of oversight raises concerns regarding whether new trainees without classroom experience are being adequately prepared.

Simultaneously, educational instability is manifesting in student protests. In Monrovia, students from D. Tweh Memorial High School recently marched to demand the return of teachers who have been absent for weeks. These disruptions follow protests by teachers under the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS) regarding pay and welfare. These issues persist even as Liberia reports crossing the US$1 billion mark in domestic revenue, highlighting a gap between national economic milestones and the practical execution of educational funding and instruction.