By Grace Q. Bryant
The Executive Director of the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE), Edward Lama Wonkeryor, has announced the Commission’s preparedness to conduct a comprehensive National Quality Assurance Inspection Exercise for higher education institutions across Liberia.
Speaking on Thursday, December 5, at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, Wonkeryor highlighted the significance of the upcoming exercise, describing it as a pivotal step in fortifying the foundation of higher education in the nation.
“Higher education is the engine of national development. It is within the lecture halls, laboratories, and libraries of our institutions that the seeds of innovation, leadership, and nation-building are sown,” Wonkeryor remarked.
He explained that the exercise would assess the quality, relevance, and integrity of education provided by universities and colleges, stressing that it is a duty owed to students, their families, and Liberia’s future.
“This inspection exercise is guided by our commitment to uphold the highest standards in teaching, research, and administration,” he added.
The inspection will involve trained evaluators and experts who will assess institutions across several critical areas, including academic programs, governance structures, infrastructure, financial management and overall learning environments.
Wonkeryor emphasized that the initiative aims to identify both strengths and weaknesses within the higher education system.
“We will celebrate the achievements and innovations of our institutions but also pinpoint areas that require immediate intervention or sustained support,” he stated.
According to him, institutions failing to meet the NCHE’s required standards will face severe consequences, including potential closure.
“At the conclusion of the exercise, the findings will serve as the foundation for strategic actions aimed at improving quality, addressing deficiencies, and realigning our institutions with national and global standards,” Wonkeryor explained.
He assured the public that the process would be conducted with fairness, professionalism, and objectivity, underscoring that the goal is to collaborate and uplift rather than criticize or condemn.
He noted that the exercise aligns with the government’s broader ARREST Agenda, which seeks to position Liberia as a hub for academic excellence in the region.
“By investing in quality education, we are investing in the human capital that will drive our economic, social, and political transformation,” Wonkeryor said.
Wonkeryor urged institutions to approach the inspection as an opportunity for growth.
He also encouraged active participation from students and faculty, noting their experiences are integral to the process.
“To our institutions, I urge you to showcase your strengths and embrace the recommendations as tools for improvement. To our students and faculty, your voices and experiences are central to this exercise,” he said.
In response to questions from journalists about addressing persistent challenges in higher education, Wonkeryor revealed plans to establish dedicated quality assurance departments within institutions.
These departments will work closely with the NCHE to ensure compliance and mitigate recurring issues.
“By doing this, the Commission will maintain close collaboration with these departments, ensuring that standards are upheld and problems are swiftly addressed,” he explained.
Wonkeryor concluded by thanking the government, partners, and stakeholders for their support.
He reaffirmed NCHE’s commitment to providing Liberian students with an education that meets the highest standards.
“Together, let us build a future where our graduates emerge not just as degree holders but as empowered individuals equipped to contribute meaningfully to society,” he concluded.
The inspection exercise is set to begin in the coming weeks, with expectations of significant outcomes for the improvement of Liberia’s higher education system.
