The Liberia National Students’ Union (LINSU), led by its president James Washington, has formally commended James A.S. Momo, Superintendent of the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS), for his exemplary leadership and transformative contributions to the country’s education sector.
The praise was extended over the weekend by LINSU’s President Washington, who acknowledged Momo’s swift and effective efforts in enhancing the learning environment and spearheading impactful initiatives.
The student movement highlighted several key achievements under Momo’s leadership, including the historic provision of 22,500 modern corrugated steel armchairs for MCSS students; an initiative that marks the first major upgrade in seating arrangements since the country’s 14-year civil war. The union also applauded Momo’s success in securing international scholarships for 15 teachers and three students to pursue higher education in India, ranging from undergraduate to PhD levels.
“Honorable Momo is a visionary leader with a clear commitment to making Liberia’s education system globally competitive,” Washington said.
The union further recognized his efforts to integrate Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs, aiming to bridge the gap between high school and tertiary education.
Momo’s advocacy for a dramatic increase in the MCSS budget from $4.2 million to $21 million was also commended as a crucial step in addressing systemic challenges within the sector, according to LINSU.
Washinton further explained that Superintendent Momo in partnership with some international organizations successfully negotiated a substantial donation from the Chinese Government, providing essential resources such as food, non-food items, and educational materials for Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers across the MCSS network.
LINSU calls these accomplishments “remarkable milestones” that reflect Momo’s unwavering dedication to Liberia’s educational advancement.
The union also emphasized the strong support Momo enjoys from the MCSS Teachers’ Association, students, principals, and central office staff, underscoring his inclusive and forward-thinking leadership. LINSU urged the national government to further allocate additional resources to the MCSS to ensure the sustainability and growth of these initiatives.
While LINSU praised Superintendent Momo, it also expressed concern over the performance of the Ministry of Education under Dr. Ansu Jarso.
The student union criticized the Ministry for its failure to effectively address the systemic challenges facing Liberia’s educational sector, accusing the Ministry of promoting fraud, corruption, and inefficiency, and neglecting the welfare of students.
LINSU revealed that it has begun school assessment tours in Montserrado, Bomi, and Grand Bassa counties. Early findings indicate that the Ministry of Education has not adequately addressed the pressing issues affecting the country’s schools.
The union pledged to submit a comprehensive report to international partners and stakeholders, advocating for necessary reforms to improve the ministry’s operations.
