By Grace Q. Bryant
The House of Representatives has directed its relevant committees to review a proposed bill aimed at standardizing salaries and benefits for faculty and staff in Liberia’s public universities and colleges.
The decision was made on Tuesday, March 18, during the 16th day sitting of the first quarter of the 2nd Session.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Momo Safa Kpoto, Representative of Lofa County District 3, seeks to eliminate salary disparities and improve working conditions for educators, particularly those in rural areas.
In his submission, Rep. Kpoto emphasized that the bill is necessary to ensure fairness in Liberia’s education system.
He pointed out that faculty members in some public universities, especially those outside Monrovia, receive lower salaries and fewer benefits compared to their counterparts at the University of Liberia and Tubman University.
“This legislation will bring total relief to the school system across Liberia by ensuring that all academic personnel receive fair compensation and benefits. It is a critical step toward improving the quality of education and making our institutions more attractive to qualified educators,” he stated.
Plenary has tasked the Committees on Education, Judiciary, Internal Affairs, and Ways, Means, and Finance to conduct a thorough review of the bill.
The committees are expected to report back after the legislative break with recommendations on the way forward.
The proposed Education Standardization of Salaries and Benefits in Public Universities and
Colleges Act outlines several measures to ensure fair compensation and welfare improvements for faculty and staff.
The Civil Service Agency, in collaboration with the Ministries of Finance and Education, will develop a standardized salary structure for all public universities and colleges and faculty members in rural institutions will receive an additional 20% of their base salary to compensate for the challenges of working in remote areas.
While the rural faculty will be entitled to housing allowances and research grants to support their professional development, educators in remote locations will receive a Hardship Allowance of at least 15% of their base salary, along with transport allowances to ease commuting difficulties and medical care for faculty members and their immediate families will be standardized across all public institutions.
The bill also mandates the establishment of a Monitoring and Evaluation Committee to oversee implementation and ensure compliance.
The government will be required to allocate the necessary budgetary support to fund the program.
The House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing issues affecting the education sector, recognizing the vital role of educators in shaping Liberia’s future.
The outcome of the committee’s review will determine whether the bill moves forward for final approval.
