MCSS Alarms Over Illegal Operations -Poor Learning Facilities In Margibi
By Moses M. Tokpah
/MARGIBI
The Margibi County School System (MCSS) has alarmed over schools operating without operational permits, citing widespread non-compliance with Liberia’s education regulations.
Margibi County Education Officer, Robert M. Zaza revealed that a recent assessment by the MCSS covering the last two to three years, uncovered multiple private, faith-based, and community schools in the County that have neither registered with the government nor obtained accreditation from the Ministry of Education (MOE).
Mr. Zaza emphasized that schools without permits are operating illegally, despite claims by some administrators that they paid permit fees into government’s revenue but never received accreditation.
He stressed that registration is non-negotiable, even as schools contribute to education efforts.
The assessment, according to him, also flagged some schools operating in cramped, two- or three-bedroom buildings.
Mr. Zaza vowed that the MCSS will not grant operational permits to schools with substandard facilities during the next academic year.
He said before accreditation, schools must undergo inspections to ensure compliance with safety and infrastructure standards.
To address these issues, he noted the MCSS has implemented strict protocols which include schools firstly meeting with the District Education Officer (DEO) for facility assessments before proceeding to the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) or the Margibi Service Center for permit processing by the MOE.
Mr. Zaza reiterated that the current MCSS leadership will not tolerate non-compliance, citing public demands for reform.
While Mr. Zaza declined to name specific schools or disclose exact numbers of non-compliant institutions, he pledged to release a full report after completing the ongoing quality school assessment.
In terms of challenges, the MCSS said it has identified five major issues plaguing Margibi’s education sector such as operating without permits or accreditation, poor learning environments, high reliance on unqualified volunteers and absenteeism, and curriculum non-adherence or Teachers deviating from MOE-approved lesson plans.
Zaza said to address these challenges, the MCSS is prioritizing a 60% field work, 40% office work to enhance school monitoring and supervision, adding that it is also conducting Quality School Assessments across the county.
DEO Zaza said the MOE has equipped public high schools with computers to ensure graduates are digitally proficient, while schools have received standardized lesson plan and attendance books to track teachers’ performance.
He concluded that the government through the Ministry of Education is making frantic efforts to place qualified volunteer teachers on payroll and up-skill unqualified, but passionate teachers.
