By Grace Q. Bryant
Representative Sekou Kanneh of District 2, Montserrado County, has introduced a joint communication to the House of Representatives advocating for two legislative measures: transforming the Monrovia Vocational & Technical College (MVTC) into an associate degree-granting institution and establishing a magisterial court in Johnsonville.
In his communication to the Speaker, Rep. Kanneh emphasized the need for these measures to address challenges in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector and to improve access to justice for Johnsonville residents.
The first measure aims to elevate MVTC from a certificate-level institution to one that grants associate degrees for formal education and advanced certificates for the informal sector.
Kanneh highlighted the importance of MVTC in equipping Liberian youth with essential skills but noted that its current limitations restrict its impact on the labor market.
“The lack of a formal public regulatory framework for TVET education has hindered progress and resulted in substandard training and certification processes,” Rep. Kanneh stated.
By transforming MVTC into an associate degree-granting institution, the proposed act aims to provide a standardized educational framework, enhancing students’ employability and economic opportunities.
According to the recent LISGIS 2023 census report, Johnsonville’s population has surged to 112,927 inhabitants.
Despite this growth, the township lacks a local court, forcing residents to travel long distances for legal matters, leading to hardships and delays.
“The absence of a local court in Johnsonville poses significant challenges for residents, impacting their access to justice,” Rep. Kanneh noted.
He proposed establishing a magisterial court in the township to address these issues.
Rep. Kanneh urged lawmakers to act promptly to formulate and pass these legislative measures, stressing their importance in providing a regulatory framework for the TVET sector and ensuring local judicial services for Johnsonville residents.
The communication was forwarded to the committee on Education and Judicial for one week.
